Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
LEO WILLIAMS, president of the Retired Teachers' Association has welcomed the announcement by Dr. Peter Phillips, one of the contenders in the People's National Party presidential race, that he would bring back retired teachers to the classroom, if he were elected prime minister.
Speaking at the launch of his 'Solid as a Rock' campaign on Sunday, Dr. Phillips outlined major plans for the education system. According to him, the social cost of a weak education system is automatically measured in the escalation of crime.
"We have been consulted before when the task force was established and we have given our commitment to help in whatever way we can," said Mr. Williams. He said retired teachers could take a wealth of experience to the classroom. He also noted that the education system would benefit tremendously by having retired teachers continue as guides for younger teachers. Mr. Williams was speaking this week on 'Good Evening Jamaica' on Power 106 Radio.
BETTER LESSON PREPARATION
According to Mr. Williams, there are deficiencies in the education system and the level of professionalism among some young teachers needs to be emphasised and encouraged. He said there needs to be better preparation of lesson plans and work plans. "And I think in that area we can give guidance to the younger teachers, particularly those who are leaving college at this time,"
Meanwhile, Ruel Reid, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) said his organisation is not opposed to having retired teachers in the classroom, but said he needs specifics on what their role would be. According to Mr. Reid, unless the stakeholders in education can arrest some of the problems at the early childhood level, the problems in the education system will persist. "We need to look strategically, if we are going to be using retired teachers, to see how they could mentor and improve the quality at that particular level."
He continued,"We can strategise (as) to how we can effectively use them, but there are some serious systemic issues that would have to be addressed to make the best of their abilities."
