GTU proposed s
stipend to be paid to teachers who manage SBAs.
“It is for these reasons that the threat of a strike is incomprehensible.”
Hussain referred to his experience as an educator and noted that he was aware of the difficulties that teachers experience in doing their job, many being non-financial issues. As such, he pointed out the actions taken by MoE to simplify the teaching process while reducing the burdens of being a teacher.
It was emphasised that these changes were not requested by GTU, but instead initiated and implemented by MoE. Some of these changes include:
1. The removal of the Child Development Index Card (CDIC) as a required school document.
2.The removal of the General Scheme of Work as a curriculum document.
3. The weekly preparation of lesson plans rather than daily.
4. All trained teachers being eligible to be a Senior Assistant Master/Mistress after 6 years rather than 7.
5. Fifty duty-free teachers per year plus the granting of a duty-free concession to all senior teachers who have three years left to serve and have not received a concession previously.
6. All teachers being provided termly with grants to purchase teaching materials.
7. All CPCE pre-service trainees being paid $90,000 rather than a $10,000 stipend per month except a trainee teacher who refuses same.
8. The Ministry of Education requested the Teaching Service Commission and the School Board Secretariat to do two senior promotion cycles per year so that more teachers can be promoted and earn a higher salary.
9. A general waiver letter to allow teachers to travel abroad without collateral.
10. The issuance of one waiver letter to cover a teacher’s contracted period.
11. The holders of the Technical Teachers’