Spanish Town Primary staves off teacher shortage

By Nakinskie Robinson  

 

While several schools grapple with teacher shortages, Principal of Spanish Town Primary, Roogae Kirlew, says quick action from administrators has staved off any potential impact on teaching and learning at the institution.

 

Speaking with Radio Jamaica News on Monday morning, Mr. Kirlew said while there were a number of resignations, he has managed to plug the gaps in time for the reopening of school on Monday.

 

He added that there are no anticipated challenges for the institution as the new academic year progresses. 

 

"All my teachers are in place, thank God, because I started interviews from very early. So, I have the full complement this morning, thank God. But this year it wasn't so bad at all. Three resigned and I filled the vacancies and three went on vacation leave and those vacancies are also filled. So, I have the full complement," said the principal of his 68-member staff.  

 

Meanwhile, Principal Kirlew, who reflected on the school's success in the recent Primary Exit Profile exams, has called for the school to be removed from the shift system. 

 

"Our PEP results this year was, I would say, very, very good, better than last year. And I think one of the things that accounted for that was that I took the grade 6 off the shift system and placed them on full day. So, they really got a lot more teaching time and that is why I'm pushing so much for the minister to take the school out of the shift system. So, the students can be allowed far more time that will impact their academic development," he proposed. 

 

He said the full-day arrangement will remain for grade 6 as well as students in the special programme who need greater attention. 

 

But he begged for the ministry and private sector to partner and help the school expand its classroom capacity so the institution can do away with the shift system entirely. 

 

Mr. Kirlew said two mathematics coaches will be introduced to improve student performance in the subject.