THE EDITOR, Sir:
THE TEACHING profession does not have much scope for upward movement. It may therefore take years for a teacher to become a senior teacher. The problem, however, is the fact that after becoming a senior teacher the status is removed once the teacher is employed in another school. This can be equated to a police sergeant losing his stripes once transferred to a new police station or a senior civil servant losing his/her status with a new posting.
It is true that teachers are not civil servants but if a teacher working in Kingston receives a housing solution in Linstead that teacher will have to travel everyday to Kingston in order to retain the position of senior teacher; this after working hard for years. This status is important in moving on to positions of vice-principals, principals and master teachers.
It is time that the Government regularise this situation to allow for this status to move with the teacher. This would not affect a lot of teachers as the Ministry of Education will want to argue that there is a three to one ratio for senior teachers in schools, this rule can be changed. It is time that this matter be settled in favour of the teachers.
I am, etc.,
HOPETON HENRY
has@ns.jamaicagleaner.com
Via Go-Jamaica
