THE EDITOR, Sir:
TEACHERS HAVE been quietly waiting on the outcome of the Government's offer as it relates to a new wage package which should be retroactive to two years. What percentage it will be and when government will be pleased to make the payment? Many have already "jumped ship", others are ready to climb on any scheme that will provide them with employment abroad in the classroom or anywhere for that matter.
The teachers of this country are quite familiar with government's plan to hire and possibly fire them under a contract system, which could possibly rule out payment for the months of July and August when school is not in session. Some teachers in this country who have been brought up in a profession/job they consider the safest, were recently alarmed when Minister of Education defied all others and proceeded with axing of some teachers at schools said to overstaffed. In the unfolding scenario, the teachers mounted no islandwide protest, the majority just listened, read and watched the process.
It must be viewed, and only the blind may not be able to see, that a quiet revolution in the teaching profession is imminent. Considering that the same teacher can teach a class with 20 or so children in England, which is crying out for teachers to the point that many are taking up offers even from South Africa, there is cause for concern.
All the above concerns point to a frightening future in the school and education system. The teachers have to contend with anything at this stage including, bashing from politicians, high rates of illiteracy among the children, reduced funding from Government for the schools, overcrowded classrooms, disrespect from all sectors including the children themselves who seem to have learnt from the wider society.
If this does not boil down to chaos in the education system, and flight of the better professionals in this sector then nothing else could be more real to me than the gospel.
I am etc.,
DEON GREEN
St. Thomas
