Dear Editor,

As we enter the new academic year, I know there is a sense of excitement, anxiety, and anticipation.

For students, the new school year presents new beginnings. You will be moving to higher grade levels or starting a new school at either the early childhood, primary, secondary, or tertiary level. For parents, this period is particularly challenging as you are confronted with the cost of making the necessary preparations for your children to start a new school year. For teachers and school administrators, we eagerly await the return of our students so that we can continue inspiring change and providing opportunities for them to develop their talents and competencies.

The new academic year also presents new opportunities. Opportunities for students to identify their true potential, opportunities for teachers to inspire, and for every Jamaican to prioritise education. As we forge ahead in this post-pandemic era, it is critical for us to remember that education is the foundation of our future and we must continue to make strides towards our academic goals.

Students, you are the primary beneficiaries of our education system. I encourage you to embrace every opportunity to advance your educational pursuits, set achievable goals, stay organised, and manage your time efficiently. Remember, education is not just about achieving good grades; it is also about developing critical thinking skills and those technical competencies that are essential for your survival in a global space.

To our parents, I understand very well the challenges that you face. Balancing work, childcare and monitoring your children’s education can be overwhelming. I encourage you nonetheless to keep motivating your children to maintain the high standards that have been established in your homes. Support the schools by attending parent conferences and meetings as well as making financial contributions in the quest to produce well-rounded students who will adapt to the demands of a dynamic world. Establish systems of accountability within your home and hold your children accountable for their actions. Be patient and understanding as your children navigate the academic challenges of the new school year.

To our teachers and administrators, schools remain arguably the single most stable socialising agency within our society. With this reference, I urge you to continue to demonstrate the highest level of professionalism as you execute your duties. I am confident that our schools are staffed with capable teachers who possess the necessary pedagogical competencies to deliver world-class education. Continue to sharpen your skills to stay relevant in our fast-paced, technology-driven society. It is imperative that we provide the best possible educational experiences to our nation’s children. We must cultivate positive, conducive teaching and learning environments that nurture curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning.

Stakeholders in education, there is a direct correlation between teacher motivation and teacher performance. As your president I remain committed to advocating for improved working conditions. Additionally, I will remain focused and diligent in leaving no stone unturned to resolve the outstanding issues of the graduate allowance and ensure that each teacher is correctly positioned in the respective bands of the new compensation framework.

The students’ formal learning environment is the teacher’s working environment. Therefore, ensuring the safety and security of both students and teachers must be a priority for all schools. I urge the Ministry of Education to increase the presence of school resource officers assigned to our schools and immediately address the fencing requirements for vulnerable institutions that remain open to invasions by individuals whose intentions are to disrupt regular operations.

We implore our bus and taxi operators to demonstrate greater levels of responsibility in the way in which our students are transported to school. We urge you to drive within the speed limits and ensure that our students are entertained with music that is positive, motivating, and spiritually uplifting.

Amidst the reality of increasing teacher migration, we appreciate the Ministry of Education and Youth’s policy expansions to reduce the impact of teacher migration. However, we eagerly await the start of the new year to fully assess the impact that the current wave of teacher migration will have on the sector. We are aware that there are schools which will start the new school year unable to fill vacancies in critical subject disciplines, creating additional anxieties in the system.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association will closely monitor these developments to prevent overwork and burnout among our teachers who have chosen to remain on our shores to keep our system afloat. I hasten to remind our employers that creating an environment in which teachers can thrive and care for their families is vital.

Let me re-emphasise, our teachers’ voices should guide educational policies, ensuring that whatever system, project, or initiative is implemented is geared to advance Jamaica’s vision of creating a country of choice.

Let us collectively commit to fostering an environment of empathy, growth, and inclusivity. Let us embrace innovation and technology as powerful tools to enhance the learning experience. Let us ensure that every student, regardless of his/her background, has the opportunity to access quality education.

Together we will make this academic year a resounding success.

Leighton Johnson

President

Jamaica Teachers’ Association.