Global Union Federation, Education International (EI) has urged Jamaican teachers to hold the government to account for what it describes as the country’s failure to provide educators with the necessary resources and policy support, over the past few decades. 

EI’s Campaign Manager, Angelo Gavrielatos made the point while addressing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Go Public Fund Education forum, recently.

The forum, done in collaboration with regional counterparts at the Caribbean Union of Teachers, highlighted the trend of teacher migration from the Caribbean.

It explored ways in which the governments of the Caribbean will have to focus their attention on funding education to retain educators. 

Mr. Gavrielatos lamented that young people seem to be avoiding the teaching profession. 

He noted that greater numbers of teachers are resigning after a short time in the job, as opposed to retiring after serving for many years.  

He said among the consequences of teacher shortage is students not being able to engage with experienced, knowledgeable educators.