KINGSTON, Jamaica— Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President, Dr Mark Smith extended gratitude to the nation’s teachers and highlighted the prevailing issues being faced by educators locally and internationally in his message to mark World Teachers’ Day.

World Teachers’ Day is recognised annually on October 5.

In his remarks on Saturday, Dr Smith described teachers as “architects of our future” as they have the opportunity of shaping the minds of their students. He praised the educators’ dedication and commitment to the profession, in the face of the ongoing challenges in the education sector.

“In Jamaica, as in many parts of the world, teachers face a multiplicity of challenges. Locally, we grapple with issues such as limited teaching and learning resources, low compensation, poor infrastructure, violence in schools, overcrowded classrooms, and the need for greater investment in technology to support students’ learning,” Dr Smith said.

“Internationally, our colleagues also encounter similar hurdles, including the digital divide, socio-economic disparities, and the ever-evolving demands of the education sector. This is often made worse in countries that are maneuvering the challenges associated with social and civil unrest, like our colleagues in Haiti, or those engrossed in armed conflicts such as Ukraine and many parts of the Middle East and Africa. Despite these challenges, our collective resilience and optimism still shine through,” he added.

Dr Smith went on to call on the teachers to use World Teachers’ Day to reflect on the positive impact they have made despite the limitations they encounter on a daily basis.

“Let us also take a moment to reflect on the positive impact we have made and the countless lives we have touched. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for being the beacon of hope and knowledge in our society. Your passion and perseverance are the driving forces behind our nation’s progress,” he said.