Dear Editor,

There is hardly likely to be any major disruption in the education system in September 2023. There are far too many needy graduates for schools not to have enough teachers. At the start of the school year everyone wants to look good, so administrators will do all that is necessary.

But very soon the shine will disappear as students and faculty alike will realise that the infrastructure in many schools will not be repaired. At least not this term. As Tracy Chapman asks, “If not now, then when?”

The four-month review will take place and many will be out the door. But they have earned enough to update a passport and travel. It will be Christmas holidays, so a perfect time to go overseas. The best time really to land a teaching job abroad as many stalwarts there hibernate during the cold.

Parliamentarians do not have to look far for perfect job descriptions and appraisals forms, check out the ones used for teachers. Retaining teachers will be easy with these instruments?

The crisis in education will really loom large by February 2024 when truant children will actually appear to be amused by punishment and caregivers are whipped for the maladies of juvenile delinquents – some scapegoat for the sins of the multitude must be provided for crucifixion.

The teacher, especially the new graduates or older returnees, are likely to be the worst off, squashed under the strength of the board and beaten with the boards of fighting students.

The impact of all this violence hardly makes the classroom safe. It is always the purview of the Government to protect their spreadsheet. So are there improvements to come? As my mother would say, “Don’t hold your breath.”

In the meantime, pay your bills, eat a balanced diet, and enjoy a swim in the Caribbean sea.

Parents just take responsibility and do what you can to educate your children. Students, too, must buckle down and learn to earn within the guidelines. But most importantly, know how to transfer that knowledge to everyday life.

School is just a small part of the reality of life, but an important foundation which you must lay to be able to withstand the storms of carving a career pathway.

Catherine Neil

stcatherineneil22@yahoo.com