- FILE
Students of the Mico Teachers' College marching during their graduation ceremony on the campus at Marescaux Road, St. Andrew. Greater opportunities overseas may result in more teachers leaving.
Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer
LONDON, England:
A significant number of Jamaican teachers who migrated from the island to the United Kingdom during 2001-2004 have no plans of returning to the teaching profession in Jamaica, an informal survey by The Gleaner across London has revealed.
The survey conducted in December 2004 involved 100 Jamaican teachers. It showed that 78 per cent do not intend to return to teaching in Jamaica, 10 per cent intend to do so, while 12 per cent were undecided.
The majority of the teachers surveyed left the island during 2001 with a 40 per cent migration. The trend continued into 2002 with migration reflecting 30 per cent. The migration trend has since declined with five per cent departing the island during 2004.
While the authorities seek to address the problem of brain drain, the survey revealed that the majority of the teachers who left the island for the UK during the period under review were some of the most qualified and experienced. At least six per cent of the teachers who migrated were either principals or vice principals, 24 per cent were senior teachers, 20 per cent were heads of departments while 45 per cent were class teachers. Ten per cent of the teachers had more than 20 years experience, 20 per cent taught for between 15 and 20 years, 32 per cent for 10 - 15 years, 28 per cent for more than five years and 10 per cent for less than five years.
TEACHERS' QUALIFICATION
The teachers' qualification on leaving Jamaica showed that most were University of the West Indies graduates trained at Jamaican teachers' colleges. The responses revealed that 10 per cent of the teachers held a Masters Degree (MA), 30 per cent held Bachelors of Arts Degree (BA) 30 per cent had diplomas and 30 per cent had teachers certificate.
The survey further showed that 20 per cent of the teachers cited salary as an issue resulting in their migration, 20 per cent felt they were being overworked 30 per cent sighted indiscipline within the classroom, while six per cent pointed out professional development as the main factor while another 14 per cent referred to others which they would not declare. The majority of teachers from Jamaica who migrated to England over the period under investigation were recruited (40 per cent) 10 per cent made internet contacts, 30 per cent came as visitors and 20 per cent came via other means.
Significantly, when questioned the teachers say that the education system in Jamaica is superior to that which exist in Britain while indiscipline is more a major issue in Britain rather than in Jamaica. Many have indicated that they will continue to contribute to the education system in Jamaica. They have even established an organisation aimed at assisting schools in Jamaica through donation of books and other accessories.
The survey also found that a number of the teachers were not satisfied with some issues relating to their terms of employment and many have found life not as expected within the teaching profession in London. However, with more incentives and opportunity to study, the teachers are willing to remain in the United Kingdom.
Since 2001 an estimated 2,500 Jamaican teachers have migrated to the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom while others have opted for smaller Caribbean territories.
