MOUNTAIN SPRING BAY, Trelawny — Pointing to how well Jamaican teachers do when they work overseas, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Leighton Johnson is once again calling on the Government to provide the tools necessary for his members to be effective.

“Provide us with the resources and watch our teachers transform education in our country. This is evident when they go into other jurisdictions. Teachers are celebrated as top teachers within their school districts in a very short time. These [type of] teachers are still here,” stated Johnson.

He made the call on Tuesday during the opening ceremony for the 60-year-old JTA’s Education Conference 2024 being held at Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny.

Johnson, who is also principal of Muschett High in Trelawny, noted that there are more than 10 teacher training institutions in the country producing innovative, creative and well-trained educators who can accomplish a lot if just given the support required. On Tuesday, he used the first day of the three-day event to once again highlight issues affecting educators. Among them was the recurring appeal for the education ministry to review its funding arrangements for schools and to ensure that allocations are equitable.

“It is no secret that some schools need more resources than others based on the levels of students enrolled and the programmes required to make those students functional,” stated Johnson.

The JTA president also pointed to the need to have interactive smart boards installed at all schools. He said such equipment has proven to enhance the teaching and learning process.

Johnson, who acknowledged the work being done by e-Learning Jamaica — a State agency — to retool existing e-learning labs with updated equipment, made an urgent call for the implementation of a maintenance plan to keep such labs functional.

However, Education Minister Fayval Williams, who spoke before him, told the gathering that efforts are being made with e-Learning Jamaica to upgrade the technology labs in all schools to allow students to have more access.

Meanwhile, Johnson also wants to see more support from the private sector. He is encouraging corporate sponsors to partner with educational institutions in providing more mobile labs and other essential technological resources. He also spoke of the role of graduates who wish to help their alma mater.

“I therefore encourage the respective alumni to get more actively engaged in the acquisition of 21st-century technological devices and equipment necessary for their institution so that our current students can enjoy quality educational pursuits,” urged the JTA head.

He also wants urgent attention to be given to institutions that do not have consistent and stable Internet connectivity as well as early childhood and primary schools that need assistance in establishing a constant and reliable network across their compounds.

Williams has assured that the ministry is committed to ensuring that all 1,009 primary and high schools in Jamaica have access to broadband Internet technology.

“I recognise, and will be the first to say, we are not there yet. All our schools do not have adequate connectivity yet. But I can assure you that the work that we started two and a half years ago during the pandemic is continuing and will continue forever in the years to come. I know that in short order we will be able to declare that all of our schools across Jamaica will have adequate broadband connectivity,” the minister promised.

Williams said the JTA conference provides a well-needed forum for contextual discussion on issues that affect the sector and to see how stakeholders can address these matters. She also noted that the event’s theme — ‘Full Steam Ahead: Advancing Digital and Future Skills’ — is timely and in alignment with the ministry’s policies and current focus on transforming education for national development.

“As we embark on this collaboration and this journey of exploration and innovation, we are poised to chart a course towards a future where knowledge knows no bounds and possibilities are limitless. The theme for our conference underscores the critical importance of embracing the digital age and equipping our students with skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world,” said Johnson.

“As educators, we are tasked with preparing the next generation to navigate a landscape by rapid technological advancement, global connectivity and unprecedented opportunities in today’s interconnected and digital-centric society. Proficiency in science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics fields has never been more essential. These disciplines serve as the cornerstone of innovation, driving progress and shaping the future of industry, ranging from health care to manufacturing, from finance to entertainment. However, our commitment to holistic education extends beyond mere technical proficiency. As we forge ahead into the digital frontier, we must also cultivate in our students the skills of critical thinking, creativity and collaboration as well as adaptability as the means to thrive in a complex and interconnected world,” the JTA head added.