THERE is a terrible storm some distance ahead for our Jamaican teachers. It is filled with turbulence that can only rip the teaching profession apart. However, the teachers can weather this storm if they take the necessary steps to "batten down".

The employed teachers must first recognise that they are replaceable. Our teachers' colleges are overflowing with prospective teachers who will need teaching positions when they graduate. The vacancies in the classrooms are currently limited and only the trained specialists have a better chance of being appointed, but if the storm hits, the doors of vacancies will be blown open.

With the proposed overhauling of the education system, teachers who can be labelled as "unfit" will find themselves joining the number of unemployed persons already adding economic pressure to the nation. Therefore teachers need to prepare for the storm by engaging in more effective planning, by being diligent in their work, by dressing and conducting themselves appropriately, and by maintaining professional dignity at all times.

Teachers must also allow designated persons to appropriately punish abusive students, learn how to defend themselves from physical attacks and last but not least, acquire a skill that will earn them an income if they leave the classroom.

Our teachers must remember that they are to be innovators and should stimulate the minds of the students at all times. They should ensure so that in the end, their performance can positively reflect on their assessment.

The storm that looms ahead appears to be a devastating one. The churning winds, if they hit, may seriously batter the Jamaica Teachers' Association umbrella. Like the wise builder on the rock, make sure that your foundation is solid!

Teachers, prepare! There is turbulence ahead.

dionie69@yahoo.co.uk

Dionie Bennett is a teacher on the staff of a primary school in St James