Teacher migration a major worry for JTA

The Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) wants the government to take decisive action in 2020 to address the recurring problem of teacher migration.

This follows news from the JTA that more teachers will be leaving Jamaica during the first half of next year.

JTA President Owen Speid believes the government will have to formulate an aggressive plan to stem the brain drain in the teaching profession.

He told RJR News that he was not convinced that enough had been done in recent years to stem the migration of teachers, "and indeed what we know is that teachers will be leaving our shores even within the next month or so."

He's predicting that there will be no let-up after that, with more teachers expected to migrate in April and in the summer as well.

Accordingly, he wants the government to have consultations with the JTA and other stakeholders to discuss possible incentives to retain more teachers.

He also revealed that the JTA has completed a survey on the factors driving teachers away from the profession in Jamaica.

Those results are being compiled and will be shared with the government, along with recommendations for appropriate incentives, he said.