JTA President Dr Mark Smith – FILE PHOTO
President of the Jamaica Teacher’s Association Dr. Mark Smith is expressing reservations about some elements of the new Jamaica Teaching Council Act.
Debate on the bill began on Friday in the Senate.
Dr Smith, speaking Sunday on Radio Jamaica’s That’s a Rap, said he was wary of overloading the Teaching Council with too many functions, and questioned whether the Council will have sufficient budgetary support to carry out its duties
The JTA President also asserted that the Teaching Council fee should not be prohibitive for teachers, considering their relatively low salaries compared to some other professions.
The bill, if passed, will requires teachers to apply for a license within 12 months and aims to enforce continuous professional standards.
Teachers not meeting the licensing requirements may not be granted authorization to teach.
Debate on The Jamaica Teaching Council Act will continue this week.
More Stories
Most Popular