Full effect of teacher migration will be felt when schools resume, says JTA president

 

President of the Jamaica Teachers' Association Leighton Johnson says the full effect of the mass teacher resignation and migration will not be felt until schools resume on September 4.

 

His comment is in response to an indication by Education Minister Fayval Williams that the supply of educators surpasses current demand for teaching jobs.

 

Speaking on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, the JTA head said despite the ministry's disclosure, there is a major teacher deficit with some schools having up to six vacancies to be filled.  

 

"The fact, too, is that in many instances, for those teachers who have left teachers' colleges, many of those individuals have also opted to not go into the classroom as well as to ply their trade in foreign jurisdictions," he pointed out. 

 

He said a look at last week's Sunday Gleaner revealed there were "105 clear vacancies being advertised at almost the ninth hour". 

 

Mr. Johnson believes the gap will persist as educators, even in critical areas, are opting out of the profession. 

 

"At this point, the fact that there are still so many vacancies unfilled, I am not sure that there are that many teachers available. But the bottom line still remains that there is a shortage of teachers in some specific disciplines and in some specialised areas."

 

The JTA head urged the Education Ministry to redouble its efforts with a national campaign to increase young people's interest in the teaching profession. 

 

"The first step is to ensure that teaching is attractive. Secondly, we need advertisements right across the board. We need to be in our schools. We need to be promoting teaching as a profession that will aid in national development. Teachers need to feel valued," he suggested, adding that they must be viewed as critical stakeholders and advisors to educational policy and national education strategies.

 

Mr. Johnson said local stakeholders should also offer a more attractive salary package as this is one of the top reasons teachers leave the country. 

 

"The compensation package that they are being offered [overseas] is significantly better than what is being offered here in our country. They are enticed by this. They are able to save money. They are able to comfortably take care of their families and they are able to purchase or build homes."