THE EDITOR, Madam:
The teaching profession does not have much scope for upward movement.
It may, therefore, take years for a teacher to become a senior teacher. The problem however, is the fact that after becoming a senior teacher the status is removed once the teacher is employed in another school. This can be equated to a police sergeant losing his stripes once transferred to a new police station or a senior civil servant losing his/her status with a new posting.
It is true that teachers are not civil servants but if a teacher working in Kingston receives a housing solution in Linstead that teacher will have to travel everyday to Kingston in order to retain the position of senior teacher. This after working hard for years. This status is important in moving on to positions of vice-principals, principals and master teachers.
It is time that the government regularise this situation to allow for this status to move with the teacher. This would not affect a lot of teachers as the Ministry of Education will want to argue that there is a three to one ratio for senior teachers in schools, this rule can be changed. It is time that this matter be settled in favour of the teachers.
I am etc,
HOPETON HENRY
has@ns.jamaicagleaner.com
'Via Go-Jamaica'
