The Education Ministry is reporting that 167 teachers have left the classroom since July of this year.

Education Minister Fayval Williams made the disclosure while speaking at a press conference this morning (August 22).

She said she does not know how many of the teachers who have resigned have migrated.

Her comment follows reports of the alleged mass exodus of some of the island’s teachers.

Mrs. Williams said the number is subject to change even up until September 5, when the new school year gets underway.

Meanwhile, Minister Williams said some 964 specialist teachers have been trained and may be available for employment come September.

These individuals are trained in areas including Mathematics, Spanish, Social studies, Chemistry, and Computer Science.

The number also includes some 259 primary education teachers.

She noted that principals can make contact with the heads of the teachers’ colleges for assistance with hiring.