Boost in Spanish Teaching: Cuban Teachers Arrive in Jamaica
Jamaica’s Minister of Education and Youth, Marsha Smith, has announced a significant increase in the number of Cuban teachers employed to teach in Jamaican government schools. The move is aimed at boosting the teaching of Spanish in Jamaica’s education system.
New Batch of Cuban Teachers Arrives in Jamaica
Minister Smith addressed school administrators and other stakeholders at an orientation session for teachers in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, on August 27. She announced that 29 Cuban teachers had arrived in the country on August 25 and would be deployed across the country, bringing the total number of Cuban teachers to 75. This is the first time so many teachers have arrived from one of Jamaica’s closest Caribbean neighbors.
Filling Vacancies in the Education System
The increase in Cuban teachers comes as the Ministry recruits overseas teachers to fill vacancies for the new school year, as a number of Jamaican teachers have resigned to take up teaching positions overseas. The new batch of teachers will be deployed to their new schools, teaching Spanish at both primary and secondary levels, as well as Physics, Chemistry, Integrated Science, and Mathematics.
Orienting New Teachers
The orientation sessions are designed to ensure a seamless transition for the teachers from the Cuban system into the Jamaican education system. The sessions also focus on helping them manage their personal and safety needs, such as opening bank accounts and obtaining a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
Cuba’s Commitment to the Partnership
Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Fermín Quiñones Sánchez, has expressed his country’s commitment to the bilateral programme, which has seen over 530 teachers teach in Jamaica to date. He is confident that the current batch of teachers will give of their best, just as others have before them.
Conclusion
The partnership between Jamaica and Cuba has been successful over the past 27 years, and this latest development is a positive step in the country’s education system. With the new batch of Cuban teachers, the teaching of Spanish is sure to receive a significant boost, benefiting students across the country.
FAQs
- How many Cuban teachers are arriving in Jamaica?
- 29 teachers and a coordinator will be deployed across the country.
- What subjects will the new teachers be teaching?
- Spanish at both primary and secondary levels, as well as Physics, Chemistry, Integrated Science, and Mathematics.
- How many Cuban teachers are already in Jamaica’s education system?
- 75, with the option for a third-year extension based on performance.
- What is the goal of the orientation sessions?
- To ensure a seamless transition from the Cuban system into the Jamaican education system, as well as to help the teachers manage their personal and safety needs.
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