Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Leighton Johnson has called on Government to provide the tools necessary for educators to be effective, pointing to how well Jamaican teachers perform when they leave to work overseas, where there are unlimited resources.

Making the call Tuesday at the opening ceremony for the 60-year-old JTA’s Education Conference 2024, Mr Johnson said the right resources will help teachers transform education in the country. He 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 support, and highlighted recurring problems in the sector, among them the need for the education ministry to review its funding arrangements for schools and ensure that allocations are equitable.

Mr Johnson also pointed to the need to have improved technology for all schools equitably distributed, as such technology has proven to enhance the teaching and learning process. Additionally, he called for more support from the private sector and past students, encouraging such partnerships to provide essential technological resources.

The JTA president is spot on with his observations, and his appeal is timely as we enter the last term for the school year. In the quest to transform Jamaica’s educational landscape, it is critical to recognise the pivotal role our teachers play and acknowledge that they can’t educate our children to perform competitively in today’s world with the current inequity in the system.

Teachers are not just educators, they are also mentors and guides for countless young minds. But what they are not are magicians, and the journey towards educational excellence requires more than just dedication from teachers and promises from our leaders. It demands comprehensive and tangible support from policymakers and stakeholders to equip them, and their schools, with the resources they need to succeed.

We are not here saying that over the years nothing has been done to achieve this ideal. What is absolutely clear is that too often those entrusted with the vital task of nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators find themselves grappling with inadequate resources and overwhelming challenges. The barriers between the haves and the have-nots are obvious, stark, unfortunate, and depressing — from outdated textbooks to limited access to technology, many Jamaican teachers are hindered in their ability to deliver high-quality instruction and engage students effectively, even after they have benefited from the best teacher training.

Access to technology, such as working computers, tablets, reliable Internet connectivity, interactive whiteboards, and educational software, can enrich the learning experience. Technology also enables teachers to differentiate instruction, personalise learning experiences, and cater to diverse student learning needs, including those with disabilities and special educational needs.

Empowering teachers demands a collective commitment to make education a national priority. As we envision a brighter future for Jamaica, let us heed Mr Johnson’s plea. After all, investing in our teachers is investing in our future.