YOU will never see the above headline – except now! Last week the media struggled to make news of education. Truth is, there is no profit in peace. War sells. If no news is good news then good news is not news. There are no mastheads reading, “Tivoli residents quiet for months!” I thought education was so important it could not be partisan; clearly some people think otherwise. Minister Thwaites thinks teachers and the JTA are responsible and merit professional respect. Some do not like this. They are used to being with powerful bullies. Have you read She Stoops to Conquer? He thinks educating our children is a joint job of the education ministry and teachers, each has different roles, but one goal. Some wanted the Andrew war to carry over. Sadly for them, Ronnie has an open palm, not a fist. He wears office lightly and even some on his side do not like that; he should “shout and gwaan bad, mek dem know who a baas”. Politics is not the only tribal badge we have to erode.

Recent education history was of conflict with the JTA; now there is peace the war boats are angry – mischief is abroad. The JTA is not perfect. If you kick the dog often enough he knows to snarl and duck when you move your foot. Under the new law teachers will never again be demeaned and the profession will flourish. I often wonder how civil servants create laws to protect teachers but have none to protect themselves. Life is a bitch!

I declare interest. “Ranny Twaite” has no problem with teachers being part of the formation of laws to regulate their profession. He encourages it. He shocked many when he said JTA should get data as soon as the ministry got it, rather than begrudgingly on a need-toknow basis. A quiet revolution is under way. Old ways die hard: “We pay them, they must obey orders”, or “Why is HM going to meeting on time? They can wait!” Is there a special hell for bad politicians and their satraps? The ministry is in transformation and some feral workers are also being transformed into caring beings! Accountants were as teachers and private practitioners virtually wrote their law; architects whose fees are enshrined as a percentage of the project did so as well. Those in jobs are not at the acme of any profession and sadly no JTA member is in private practice, which is what sets fees. Teaching is a hybrid and now the largest employer of teachers takes point on the law along with teachers. This is good.

Some in the ministry did not pass Ethics 101 at university and retail their employer’s secrets with no conscience; as one man said, “They couldn’t do it with the last lot.” But you can’t get rid of bullying by being a bigger bully. A trusted minister can allow a freedom others can’t, as trust begets trust. Power is beautiful in the “noblesse oblige” of the mighty to the weak.

No wedge can be driven by recidivists between Thwaites and the JTA. Both have one aim, one destiny; mutual respect, different roles. They are minded to build and no one should sow discord. The absence of the usual tautness in the JTA or stridency in a minister is instructive. They work together with no coercion or promises. Teachers know unity is key to a good profession. It is not easy but they will move to become full professionals under law. This is legacy; a milestone, no one wants to fumble or drop the ball – history beckons!

Education can succeed in our time. Once you beat swords into ploughshares –expect a miracle. JTA as union has a duty to protect members. JTA as professional body has a duty to deliver value to students. It is a balancing act and not easy. Professional standing and progress will inspire top teachers to achieve; it may have no appeal to a marginal teacher happy to draw pay and stay below the radar. They will put up their brass plate and be proud of it.

Teachers wasted time. They suffer because unlike other professions they have a union and professional body in one and the one they feed grows faster. But they are catching up and will soon be under law as doctors, architects, accountants and get good income; be open to be disbarred, sued, pay PI insurance premiums, pay damages but live well. Will teaching ever escape from the vocational to be a full profession? The new law is their salvation.

This is a watershed. Teachers are at the dawn of great things. Architects and accountants never had kudos until registered under law. Teachers will take pride in their work, accept performance pay and flourish. Accountants before their Act were grandfathered “Certified”, not hot shot “ACCAs”, and found a comfort level. Will teachers make the transition as well? Teachers in the extra-lesson business earn market-driven fees. Will this be a benchmark for state teachers? Will they have private practice? Some professionals prefer the security of a steady job, paid peanuts but have peace of mind; others earn a lot in fees but are on edge. The Act should allow the profession to find its level in a free market, or teachers may remain wards of the state. Do you see accountants rushing to a union though many are salaried workers? Enterprising teachers can earn millions in private practice while those in jobs with admin leave, vacation leave, sick leave, study leave, etc, earn less. Teachers must have this choice as happens in all other professions. Stay conscious, my friend!

GRAND PALLADIUM is massive. You could park a Mack truck and no one would notice. The 40 minutes at check-in was a grind; then my card bounced just as my family blasted the receptionist. At the towel booth, a wet 10-year-old with towel, token in hand and chlorine burning eyes is a screamer.

My sin was a shirt: “Sir, you are not allowed to eat without sleeves.” At the next table the boobs of the lady in the strapless top were nesting in her cornflakes; the server ran off. I tucked in, but soon a burly shadow crossed my fruit plate: “Sir, you can’t eat in a sleeveless shirt.” I thought, “But I am.” I pointed to the pregnant US male with rippedoff sleeves behind a ton of croissants and butter – God save the gut! I stood my ground; there were 20 pale women in swimsuits. I did not have one racist thought in my head. A Red Tunic was coming at speed; enough! As I coiled to react… I saw the headlines in my mind “Death at the Palladium” in three acts with Oliver playing Franklin on a cross… it is finished!

“Sir, I know you did not read our rules but I have a table with a view for you, will you allow me to reseat you?” What? Blow me!? Customer service? Red Tunic floored me with his grace. I could not deny him though he denied me an Easter crucifixion – my moment of glory; the police taking me, a woman and child forlorn. “I shall return!” Deflated, I came out of my reverie, “My appetite is gone, thanks anyhow.” I left; the Koi were swimming in the tank and Black Man Redemption was playing on the Tannoy. God is great. Selah!

Dr Franklin Johnston is a strategy expert and project manager. The views expressed on this page are not necessarily those of the Jamaica Observer.

franklinjohnstontoo@gmail.com