NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 10 Prepared by: Sandra Hunter APRIL 2, 1964, marked a pivotal moment in Jamaica’s history of teacher support. It saw the formal unification of 5 teachers’ unions/associations [Jamaica Union of Teachers, (JUT); Association of Headmasters and Headmistresses, (H2H2); Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions (ATTI); the Association of Teacher Training staffs (ATTS); and the Association of Assistant Masters and Mistresses (A2M2)] to form the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. (http://www.jta.org.jm) As a “new” union, the Association proudly highlights numerous accomplishments while fulfilling the mandate to support the education system. It is crucial to reflect on the union’s journey and the substantial contributions made as we unite to advocate for improved salaries and working conditions for educators across Jamaica. The theme for this yearlong celebration, ‘Preserving the Legacy: Remaining Relevant for the Future’, encapsulates a commitment to honouring the past while also preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Over the past six decades, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and welfare of teachers, promoting excellence in education, and championing the interests of students. Collectively, numerous strides have been made to improve working conditions, enhance professional development and advance policies to benefit the education system as a whole. The benefits acquired often require constant defence and vigorous advocacy, particularly as successive political figures endeavour to dismantle the established “Conditions of Service.” Accordingly, history records that, “a battle never stays won. Rights and freedoms have to be constantly defended.. (and) won again and again. Unfortunately, history places no obligation on those who have not lived through its incidents; memories are short and issues once resolved have an ugly habit of reappearing as if they had never been considered before.” – (Sybil Shack, President, 1960 61) As I interrogated the Chronology of Achievements published by the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, aiming to curate 60 significant accomplishments that have profoundly impacted the education landscape, I encountered considerable challenges. The breadth of impactful milestones is extensive, with much more than 60 notable achievements readily identifiable. Consequently, I amalgamated certain elements to distil my selection down to the following 60 accomplishments: 1 In 1966 the Association won bargaining rights to negotiate teachers’ salaries and fringe benefits. One such benefit was the Study leave facility (6 months with full pay and 6 months with no pay instituted in the 1966 post-Independence Code of Regulations) 2 In 1971 the Association hosted the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession (WCOTP) Congress in Kingston; and the Position of Liaison Officer was created to facilitate easy interaction with the Ministry of Education 3 1973 saw the first Reclassification of the teaching service and there was the classification of Primary and All Age Schools into Grades (1 - V) and Secondary Schools according to a System of points (I - IV) 4 Parity of pay for all positions at the tertiary level was instituted 5 There was the establishment of Post of Special Responsibility (POSR) [senior teachers] 6 In 1976, the introduction of health coverage through Blue Cross (now Sagicor) became a standard practice, ensuring ongoing healthcare provisions. 7 1977 saw the institution of compensation for teachers injured in the performance of duties 8 Roll of Honour in recognition of distinguished service in the field of education was introduced. 9 In 1979 the first Regional Office was established in western Jamaica (Montego Bay) 10 1981 saw the revival of the Annual Primary, All Age and Junior High Schools Athletics Championships. This was first staged in May 1962. 11 Seniority Allowance was introduced and was to be payable to teachers (though not being enforced now, one cannot say that it will never be applicable again). 12 Death Benefits for teachers who die in service were instituted. 13 Increments for additional qualifications were introduced. 14 Payment of Housing Allowance to Principals of schools without cottages became a benefit. 15 In 1982 the Contact Teacher Programme was instituted and Annual Seminars began. This is very important to professional development. 16 In 1983 Principals, Work Experience Supervisors, Supervisors of Teaching Practice and Guidance Counsellors designated Travelling Officers 17 Teachers eligible to work as locum tenens while on leave 18 Duty Concession could be accessed by designated Travelling Officers 19 Shift Allowance to Principals of institutions on shift was introduced. 20 In 1984 Annual seminars for new teachers instituted. These seminars are aimed at professional orientation of new entrants into the teaching service. 21 1985 Remuneration for POSR to be a percentage of minimum of Certificate scale (4%, 8%, 12%) was introduced. 22 Vice Principals in Primary and All Age Schools were to be paid according to their qualification plus 16% of minimum of Certificate Scales 23 Principals with cars were eligible for full Upkeep Allowance and those without cars for Transport Allowance. Additionally, Vice-Principals with car were to be designated as Travelling Officers and could receive Commuted Allowance. VicePrincipals without a car were to receive Transport Allowance Sixty (60) in Sixty (60) The Diamond Selection PLEASE SEE SIXTY, 12 JTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Sandra Hunter The Roll of Honour is one of the big creations of the last 60 years of the JTA. In this picture, honouree in 2010, then Chief Education Officer Wesley Barrett (centre) is seen with plaque and citation, in the company of dignitaries led by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (right), Opposition Spokesman on Education Burchell Whiteman (left), Warren McDonald General Manager at Berger Paints and Nadine Molloy, JTA President.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=