NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 12 24 Shift Allowance was made pensionable 25 Trained teachers with UWI Certificate in Education were classified as Trained Teacher (Diploma) 26 Boarding institutions were eligible for at least one Vice-Principal 27 Pre-retirement leave instituted and teachers on ‘no pay leave’excluded from the 10% quota. 28 In 1986 there was the reopening of small schools after protest by JTA 29 1987 Guidance Counsellors, Work Experience teachers and lecturers who supervise teaching practice were to be paid Commuted Transport Allowance 30 In 1988 The Association in partnership with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (Education Committee) initiated the celebration of Teachers’ Day, Wednesday of Education Week 31 In 1989, a policy was implemented whereby teachers in clear vacancies for over one year and Principals for more than three (3) years were automatically granted permanent appointments after a two-year period. 32 In 1990 the intensive membership education programme “Study Circle” was introduced, sponsored with the kind assistance of the Swedish Teachers’ Union, Lararforbundet 33 1991 Remuneration for POSR increased to 10%, 15% and 20% of Diploma scale 34 The National Council on Education (NCE) was established at the instigation of the Association. 35 In 1994 the Remote/Special Allowance increased from three to four (3-4) increments 36 Teachers who are employed part-time to teach Sixth Form were to be paid at tertiary rates. Two years’ study leave with pay could be granted to teachers who have served continuously for 10 years without taking Study Leave. 37 The Golden Torch Award (honouring teachers for 35 years or more service) was instituted and JTA celebrated 100 years of teacher trade unionism in Jamaica 38 1995 registered the Second Reclassification of the teaching service. There was also the introduction of Protective Clothing Allowance for teachers in Infant Schools and Infant Departments that exceeded 200 students - 4 increments Secondary 1 Principal’s scale; less than 200 students - 3 increments; Vice Principals – 2 increments in the Vice-Principal Secondary scale 39 In 1996 Annual Professional Development Day (now named in honour of Past President Helen Stills), was instituted 40 The Association became a member of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) 41 There was the renewal of membership in the Caribbean of Union Teachers (CUT) and the Association represented teachers at the Inaugural Conference of Education International (EI) in Harare 42 In 1997 the Transportation Allowance paid to senior teachers with POSR 1, 2 and 3 was instituted. 43 Lecturers in Community Colleges who supervise students on work experience assignments were to be paid a Commuted Travelling Allowance 44 At the instigation of the Association, the Institute of Education, extended the B.A. in Education to teachers by distance and in 1998 a Loan facility for in-service teachers pursuing offshore university programmes began with an initial fund of $2 million from the HEART/NTA 45 1999 Motor car loans, revised to $320,000 for new cars and $200,000 for used cars, became available 46 JTA was elected to host the Secretariat of CUT 47 The Association began protest action against the Ministry of Education, to stop the instituting of a policy of a rigid teacher/pupil ratio in schools which saw the commencement of a teacher separation exercise. Over 300 teachers, mainly from the secondary sector, were slated to lose their jobs in the school year. 48 In 2001 a Contingent of students participated in t the Biennial CUT Games in Martinique 49 The Association enlisted the assistance of a law firm to come to the aid of eight teachers who were dismissed in violation of the Code of Regulations, 1980. In July, the Supreme Court affirmed the stance of the Ministry of Education, prompting the Association to opt for an appeal. Subsequently, in December, the decision of the Appellate Court vindicated the Association, resulting in the reinstatement of the separated teachers with all their previous rights and privileges intact. 50 The 2000/2002 Heads of Agreement was important for two main reasons, viz (i) it restored the mode of calculation of the remote (special) allowance payable to teachers who qualify (ii) it re-acknowledged the issue of parity at the tertiary level (as per 1973) and the salaries of all teaching/administrative posts were to be adjusted according to a new classification of tertiary level institutions (non-university) 51 2002 Serious negotiations were commenced with the Ministries of Education, Youth and Culture and Finance and Planning regarding two unsettled items of the 2000/2002 claims. These were: i) Post-Graduate Allowance of 15% and 20% of graduate-trained scale to be paid respectively to teachers with post-graduate qualification where such qualification does not change their scale; ii) the creation of a career path (i.e. Non administrative promotional opportunity) for lecturers in tertiary level institutions. 52 Parenting Seminars hosted by the Association started, these were aimed at encouraging good parenting 53 2003 Association began a series of investment seminars particularly geared toward teachers 54 2004 Association successfully negotiated the refund of 50% of tuition fees to teachers who undertake successful courses of study without the benefit of leave. 55 2005 Association successfully completed negotiation with the Government for the establishment of a Professional Development Fund. This Fund provided teachers with loans to undertake studies at concessionary rates of interest. 56 2006 Principals of Community Colleges now qualify for a Shift Allowance in line with their counterparts in Teacher Education Institutions. 57 There was also the Inaugural Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation Award for Service to Education. 58 A new allowance — Book, Software and Technology to all the 29 categories of teachers was introduced. 59 In 2007 there was an agreement in principle to conduct a study to adjust the salaries of teachers to 80% of equivalent positions in the private sector 60 2008 saw the Third Reclassification of the teaching service: – salaries of all 29 categories adjusted to 80% of market; - a special allowance paid to some categories; – Protective Clothing Allowance extended to teachers of all Primary grades; – Teachers who perform duties during national, special events to be paid a Special Duty Allowance; – Remote/Inducement Allowance now increased to six (6) increments in the relevant scales; – Teachers holding Masters and doctoral degrees now qualify for 4 and 6 increments in the Trained Graduate scale as a Qualification Allowance. We acknowledge the evolving landscape of education and the challenges that lie ahead. From technological advancements to shifting demographics, our profession is constantly evolving, and as such, it is imperative that we adapt and innovate to remain relevant in an ever-changing world. As we celebrate 60 years of excellence, resilience, and service to the teaching profession; we also recognize the invaluable support of our partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have stood by us throughout the years. Together, let us chart a course for the future that honours our past and empowers the next generation of educators and learners. Happy 60th Anniversary to the Jamaica Teachers’ Association! Sandra Hunter is Chairman of the JTA Membership Committee JTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Kerrina Leslie, Manager Jamaica Publishing House Ltd, presents the Golden Torch Award 2023 to Carmen Dillon of Clarendon for 41 years of service to education.
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