Dear Editor,

I have read the thought-provoking letter to the editor, written by Tashani Durrant and published in the Jamaica Observer on Thursday, January 8, 2015, titled ‘Extra lessons or extra money’.

The Ministry of Education encourages and thanks those teachers who conduct extra lessons for students who learn at a slower pace, or have missed classes due to socio-economic challenges. These teachers go the extra mile to ensure their students’ success.

It must be noted that where teachers conduct extra lessons at additional cost to the students, these cannot be done at the expense or delivering the curriculum in keeping with the timetable.

We have not had reports in recent times of this practice, but will certainly alert the Jamaica Teachers’ Association as we reinforce the good practices of the profession and regulations of the Ministry of Education, respectively.

Thank you for your interest in education.

Ronald Thwaites, MP

Education Minister