THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in response to a letter published by Mrs. Carol Jumpp-Graham, a Jamaican teacher in the United Kingdom. I must say, a couple of years ago, I read negative stories like this depicting totally unpleasant views of the realities of teaching in the U.K. Had I not done my own research and risk-taking, I would not realise how many unfair generalisations were being made.
Among the main reasons teachers trained in Jamaica migrate to the U.K., are to benefit from a stronger economy and to earn more for our coveted skills. I do agree that there are agencies that will embark on extensive recruitment drives and we must be wary of them, because they may make you feel that they have jobs for you when they don't. However, it is up to the individual to evaluate the job market and their finances before making a decision to migrate.
There a few points that Mrs. Graham made that will send the wrong message if they are not clarified. Firstly, when you come to the U.K. to teach, you are not compelled to continue to render your services to any institution that you feel is treating you unfairly. Working Holiday Makers are even more flexible than holders of work permits to change jobs, whether they are supply or permanent teachers. It may include an institution applying for a new work permit. Secondly, I do not exaggerate when I say that there are thousands if not millions of agencies and other bodies that advertise jobs on a daily basis, and there are never enough bodies to fill these posts. It is left to the individual to become aggressive when searching for a job.
With regards to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), it is beyond me why anyone should be here for five years and blame any system for not allowing them to be qualified.
I am, etc.,
NICHOLIA A. MILLER
nicholiamiller@yahoo.com
London
Via Go-Jamaica
