Education ministry working to recruit and retain teachers

Education Minister Fayval Williams says the ministry is implementing several strategies to address teacher recruitment and retention in the sector.

These strategies have been presented to principals and school boards ahead of the official start of the 2023/24 academic year on September 4.

Addressing Wednesday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House, Williams said school boards have been empowered to take early recruitment decisions to fill vacancies, meaning, they don't have to wait on the ministry.

"Pre-approval has been granted for the replacement of teachers in clear vacancies and those in temporary posts funded by the Ministry of Education and Youth," she advised.

Williams further indicated that teachers and principals on approved vacation leave can be engaged.

"They can work in the system as teachers and get paid for that in addition to being paid for their vacation leave," she said. The minister pointed out that principals will not be engaged in their substantive post while on leave.

"They can teach in their school of which they are a principal, or they can teach in another school ... so that's available to them," she explained.

Williams further informed that school boards may request extension for the tenure of teachers who are scheduled to proceed on retirement effective September 1, and beyond.

She said approval has been granted by the ministry for the engagement of part-time teachers.

"We also allow them to engage already retired teachers. Teachers who have retired since January of 2018, they can apply to have these teachers come back into the classroom as well," the minister informed.

Williams further indicated that schools are allowed to recruit pre-trained graduates with at least a first degree in areas of expertise that are in short supply, such as mathematics and science. Additionally, she said, final-year student teachers from recognised institutions can be engaged, and underutilised staff redeployed and trained.