TRELAWNY, Jamaica – The Ministry of Education’s plan to recruit overseas teachers for the 2024/25 academic year is set to be discussed at the annual Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) conference, which began on Monday at the Ocean Coral Spring Hotel in Trelawny.

Past President of the JTA, Dr Garth Anderson, moved a resolution urging “the Ministry of Education and Youth to outline its retention strategies for local teachers and provide a detailed plan that goes beyond merely recruiting foreign educators by the end of November 2024.”

Outgoing JTA President Leighton Johnson stated that the matter will be addressed during the three-day conference.

In a recent statement, Johnson expressed disappointment and concern over the Ministry of Education’s decision to recruit overseas educators, noting that while the decision is a measure to mitigate the current teacher shortage across the country, it highlights a significant issue that requires urgent attention and collaborative action.

READ: JTA president disappointed with ministry’s plan to recruit overseas teachers