Opposition supports Teaching Council Act, but calls for more support for education system

 

The Paliamentary Opposition has thrown its support behind the new Jamaica Teaching Council Act, 2025, but is pushing for greater action to establish a fit for purpose education system.

 

Senator Peter Bunting, Leader of Opposition Business, making his contribution to the debate on the bill in the Upper House on Friday, lauded the effort, but argued that there is a glaring need for a multi-dimensional solution to the issues affecting the education sector. 

 

Among other things, he said the multi-dimensional approach would address student nutrition, student transportation, and teacher compensation.

 

"Pestige, without the corresponding compensation, is of little value," he said, in reference to the aim fo the statute to making teaching equivalent to other professional groups, "such as lawyers, doctors, and so on."

 

Education Minister, Senator Dr. Dana Morris-Dixon sought to clarify certain elements of the bill with regard to allegations and investigations that would be brought against a licensed and authorised educators. 

 

"If a school gets a complaint, it has to advise the Council of that complaint. The provision also requires the board of the institition or any other employer who is in receipt of a complaint, to hand down a decision within six months... failing which the Council shall refer the matter to the PPCC (Professional Practice and Conduct Committee) for inquiry."

 

She added that an individual against whom there's a complaint has the right, on going to a hearing, to be represented by "the JTA, an attorney at law, or any other person; or they may elect to be self-represented."

 

With 84 clauses, the debate on the Act will continue next week as Minister Morris-Dixon will address concerns raised by the Opposition about home schooling and the publication of teacher information .  

 

The Act will require teachers to apply for a licence to teach within a 12 month period. 

 

Teachers who do not meet the requirements for licensing could be given an authorisation to teach.

 

The Act seeks to provide and enforce continuous professional standards in the teaching profession, as well as to empower the JTC.