MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Political and education leaders have lauded the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) for its emphasis on advocacy for its members and academic uplifting of the country’s youth for the past six decades.

Minister of Education Fayval Williams, while addressing a service at the Mandeville Parish Church in recognition of the JTA’s 60th anniversary on Sunday, commended members of the association for their role over the years.

“Heartiest congratulations on this milestone. The JTA’s six decades of advocacy on behalf of its members, and the education sector in general, is noteworthy and its emphasis in improving academic outcomes of our student population,” said Williams as she declared that her ministry is in alignment with the JTA.

“Believe it or not, we have the same aim. The Ministry of Education and Youth and the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. We want to see happy teachers in our classrooms and brilliant children streaming out of our schools into tertiary or into the world of work, so we are aligned in any way that you look at it,” added Williams as she commended the sitting JTA President Leighton Johnson for his leadership.

“Thank you for your collaboration over this year over your tenure, because you understand that we stand on the same side. We have the same goal, the same aim for our children and our teachers,” said Williams ahead of the JTA’s annual conference this week.

“This year’s conference theme ‘Full STEAM ahead, advancing digital and future skills’ reinforces the importance of coordinating policy, programmes and the provision of resources to address the diverse needs of students,” added Williams.

She highlighted the significance of the JTA’s conference.

“The Ministry of Education and Youth applauds your commitment and dedication. We also welcome this week’s annual conference as [it] often helps to inform changes in policy development. This is a wonderful opportunity for stakeholders in the education sector to discuss new perspectives based on contemporary global developments and to determine how best to implement changes where applicable,” she said as she underscored that the Government is pushing science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) at this time.

“The Government of Jamaica is fully committed to implementing STEAM education in Jamaica and is well advanced in implementing a number of initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide among schools, students and teachers, improving schools administration and management system. Enhancing teaching and learning through capacity building and quality improvement as well as in infrastructure development and ICT support among others,” said Williams.

She said that under the Education System Transformation Programme the STEAM school project is designed to catapult the national strategy for education development through the main streaming of this project at the secondary level.

“We believe that this project will contribute to the national development goal of achieving world-class education and training through the advancement and main streaming of STEM education, the integration of technology as well as improved school infrastructure at the secondary level,” said Williams.

The education minister also called for the continued support of the JTA to develop a “world-class education system”.

“As we look back at the past 60 years with gratitude for what has been achieved and to the future for what can and must be done, I am confident that with your dedication and hard work, we can overcome any challenges that may come our way. Together we – the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Government, the JTA – can build a world-class education system that empowers our children to thrive and succeed in an ever changing world,” she said.

Johnson, who was among the leadership of the JTA at the church service, encouraged members to remain focused on the role of the association.

“We remain steadfast in our resolve to ensure that every teacher regardless of background or circumstance is afforded the support, resources and recognition they rightfully deserve even when no one else does it. As we embark on our next phase of our journey. Let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the ideals and values that has guided this institution to this point. Let us continue to stand united in our mission to empower, inspire, uplift and mould the minds and hearts of the students entrusted in our care. Empowering our teachers, our members to do the best they can at all times,” he said.

“This is a grand occasion 60 years. I am humbled that in my tenure I am witnessing this moment in history in the Jamaica Teachers’ Association,” said Johnson as he commended past presidents of the association.

“We have stood on your work, you have dedicated your life, your passion, your unwavering commitment to ensuring that this association continues to grow from strength to strength. Your tireless efforts and selfless service have been the bedrock upon which our association stands and through your collective strength and solidarity we will continue to shape the future of Jamaica’s education sector,” added Johnson.