THE EDITOR, Sir:
BEING A Jamaican who is now teaching in the U.K. and have worked in a number of schools since my arrival here, I agree there are many inconsistencies with regard to the way the system works.
It seems to me that some schools are more keen to have their overseas trained teachers on the QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) programme than others are and as a result, some teachers may experience dissatisfaction with how their previous qualifications are treated.
It does take a lot of struggle because we are indeed the 'underdogs' but I do remember 'struggling' in Jamaica as well.
THE PROCESS
The process I went through to acquire my QTS was nothing more than putting tons of paper work together and being observed teaching a few lessons. Nothing more than a bureaucratic process. The only difference that was clearly visible between the overseas trained and British trained teacher was an awareness of the curriculum structure and content. All we needed was a system of awareness seminars or workshops.
That said, however, many of us, with proper planning and networking have made our mark and are showing the positive results of three years of systematic teacher-training.
I am grateful to be in this position, like many of my Jamaican colleagues to now be a resource for those who are still thinking of the possibility of teaching here. The more I read about the state of the education system in Jamaica I wonder how many teachers are actually motivated and happy in their jobs? The issue is not about 'teachers valuing Jamaica' but rather about Jamaica valuing its teachers.
I am, etc.
MARLIN STEWARD
marlin.steward@Gail.comma
Hertfordshire
United Kingdom
Via Go-Jamaica
