By Damion Mitchell, Staff Reporter
Henry: The JTA should take a lead role in collaborating with stakeholders in the education system, including the Ministry of National Security, to develop policy positions to deal with the issue of violence in schools. - RICARDO MAKYN/Staff Photographer
Today, The Gleaner presents the third in a series of features on the candidates contesting in the 2004/05 Jamaica Teachers' Association's president-elect vote slated for June 21 to 25. See part four tomorrow. HOPETON HENRY is banking on his "excellent" reputation as a member of the now-defunct National Union of Teachers and his success as an educator to be elected president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) for 2005/06.
"The critical thing is that I have a good track record... I will stand up for justice and I bargain hard," he said.
Mr. Henry, the principal of the Seaforth High School in St. Thomas since September 1999, is also the first vice-president of the Association of Principals and Vice-Principals.
Like some of his contenders vying for presidency, Mr. Henry is also concerned about indiscipline and violence in schools. But he has gone a step further, presenting research on these issues locally.
"The JTA should take a lead role in collaborating with stakeholders in the education system, including the Ministry of National Security, to develop policy positions to deal with the issue of violence in schools," Mr. Henry told The Gleaner. "With the current discussions going on there is enough suggestions, it is only a question of will (to implement them)."
And he said that should he become president, he would also work to further improve the level of communication between the JTA and its members, as well as to have the Government implement several proposals in the White Paper on education, including the provision of necessary teaching aids such as computers is all schools.
"Some of the things the paper speaks to have not been delivered and if those were delivered it would enhance the quality of the teaching/learning process."
But Mr. Henry says there will be challenges as leader of the 2005/06 administration, especially given that many younger members feel alienated from the organisation. Additionally, he would be responsible for leading the charge for the salary negotiations with Govern-ment for the next contract year.
"When I am elected as president I will begin my mobilisation," he noted, adding: "I am never ever frightened by what I see when I go anywhere, my critical thing is to keep adding value."
He is confident of beating his other four contenders at the polls, but if he is defeated, he said, "I would have gained the experience and I would take up the challenge again, but I am not running to lose, I am running to win."
Top 10 goals if elected as JTA president
Strategic re-positioning of the JTA nationally.
To have teachers provided with identification cards with unique reference numbers for developing a members' database.
To increase membership in the JTA.
To raise the level of professionalism among teachers.
To improve the level of organisation as a bargaining unit.
Establish a special unit to seriously address the issue of dissatisfaction and alienation of some members.
Formalised training for contract teachers, rights (leave, dismissal, representation on board, formulation of policy).
Upgrading the position of contact teacher by improving the level of training and involvement.
Advocating for constitutional change to facilitate a two-year term limit for JTA presidents.
Seek to establish strategic alliances to facilitate the further development of teachers, the JTA and the education system.
