Jamaica Government Assures No Overload of Foreign Teachers in Schools
Photo by Michael Sloley, Jamaica GIS. Fayvell WIlliams, the Jamaica Minister of Education.
Concerns Over Foreign Teachers in Jamaican Schools
Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, has sought to allay concerns over the government’s plans to recruit foreign teachers in the island’s schools. The ministry has been criticized for trying to fill teaching vacancies with foreigners, despite high unemployment figures in Jamaica.
Recruitment Efforts
Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas Gayle, confirmed that teachers are being sought from various countries. She stated that the ministry has engaged with countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, the Philippines, and India to fill the gaps in the sector.
Not a New Concept
Minister Williams emphasized that the recruitment of teachers from overseas is not a new concept in Jamaican education. She pointed out that the country has had teachers from other countries in its classrooms for many decades. Many Jamaicans can recall teachers who taught them English and other subjects from foreign countries.
Current Situation
The minister revealed that the sector currently has 75 Cuban teachers, while 15 educators are from other countries. She assured stakeholders that the sector will not be inundated with educators from overseas.
Reasons for Recruitment
The move to recruit educators from overseas is to urgently fill existing gaps in the sector. The decision was not a unilateral one, but rather the result of consultations with principals and other stakeholders. The recruitment is aimed at filling specific gaps in subject areas, rather than overwhelming the sector with foreign teachers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jamaican government’s plans to recruit foreign teachers in the island’s schools are not intended to overwhelm the sector, but rather to fill specific gaps in subject areas. The minister has assured stakeholders that the sector will not be inundated with educators from overseas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of recruiting foreign teachers in Jamaican schools?
- To urgently fill existing gaps in the sector, particularly in subject areas.
- How many foreign teachers are currently working in Jamaican schools?
- There are 75 Cuban teachers and 15 educators from other countries.
- Will the recruitment of foreign teachers overwhelm the sector?
- No, the minister has assured stakeholders that the sector will not be inundated with educators from overseas.