MESSAGES Show more respect for our teachers

WORLD TEACHERS’ Day is an opportunity to acknowledge our teachers and say thanks for the significant contributions they make in our classrooms and communities. Celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide, including Jamaica, the day which is observed annually on October 5, commemorates teachers’ organisations worldwide.

In welcoming the observance of World Teachers’ Day, being recognised under the theme,’Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status’, let me assure Jamaicans of this administration’s continued support for our teachers who continue to build the nation through their resilience, creativity, commitment, tremendous work and untiring service.

Teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and a major influence on the development of our children. Teachers along with the home, and church, are one of the first avenues through which knowledge is introduced. As important agents of socialisation and role models for children, our teachers are powerful agents of change in our society, which is in need of radical social change to become a more wholesome, gentler, and more caring society.

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Information through the Jamaica Teaching Council, has opened new avenues for sustained professional development and improved competencies for all educators. This will inure to the continuous endeavour for excellence, the raising of aspirations and achievements that will result in beneficial outcomes for all learners.

We thank God for sparing our nation and teachers from the ravages of Hurricane Matthew.

I urge all Jamaicans to show more respect and appreciation for our teachers. Their task is not an easy one, but one that is necessary and often undertaken under challenging circumstances and with limited resources, even as we expect spectacular results. Our teachers must see us all as their partners in building an educated nation. On behalf of this grateful nation, the ministry salutes you on this day of appreciation.

Best wishes for a happy World Teachers’ Day. God bless you all. RUEL REID Minister of Education, Youth and Information

Teacher registration provides for the recognition of teachers as members of a professional group. So far, there are about 32,000 teachers in the register. JTC’s online system for registration is being upgraded to facilitate a more userfriendly platform for professional interaction.

Teacher registration and eventual licensing have several other benefits to the teacher, such as,employment eligibility, promotional opportunities and complete data for pension processes.

All teachers in Jamaica are expected to be registered in compliance with the Group work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics workshop. . Education Regulation jtc.info@moey.gov.jm timely recommendations to (1980). On completion of for more information or the honourable minister of the upgrading of the JTC clarity on any matter education. Eighty-eight website, teachers will be regarding the teaching profession. principal appointments able to verify teacher registration were made during the year by visiting the website Secretarial support to the and 839 teacher qualifications of the Jamaica Teaching Teachers Service were assessed. Council, www.jtc.gov.jm Commission WINSOME GORDON and requesting validation JTC continues to support Chief Executive Officer using your TRN. JTC can be the Teachers Service Jamaica Teaching reached by email at: Commission and enable the Council