NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 28 HIGHLIGHTING THAT teachers make significantly less than other professionals with whom they are on par, an American labour union leader has charged the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) to demand from the Government greater investment in teachers. “I don’t need to tell the people in this room that educators lack the dignity and respect and the pay that reflects the important work we do,” said Rebecca ‘Becky’ Pringle, president of the National Education Association (NEA), of the United States. Pringle was the keynote speaker at the JTA Status Women Conference, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston on Monday, March 18, 2024. In bringing attention to the pay disparity in the teaching profession, she said that female domination in the profession was one of the factors giving rise to the issue of low salaries. She said that approximately 89 per cent of Jamaican educators are females, with the US experiencing a similar majority, 74 per cent. However, Pringle said that female dominance in the profession has resulted in a wage gap, which is at 25 per cent in the US. “That means that the profession of teaching when we compare it to other professions that are similarly situated, that means that they have the same level of education and they have the same years of service, we make 25 per cent less,” she said. Pringle encouraged the JTA to advocate for more support for teachers. “Look up! You get up to be the champions for your students. Look up! JTA, you get to stand up for your colleagues, you know who you are, and you are the chosen generation. “Look up, JTA! The sun is still shining and it will rise again tomorrow. I need you to demand that your country and union invest in her and in you. I need you to stand up in your power.”She added:“Our babies, our children are depending on us to be worthy of them. JTA stand in your power.” Pringle further implored teachers’ unions across the Caribbean and the United States to unite in the fight for equity and equality for their members. Equally important, she said, was the need for the JTA, the Caribbean Union of Teachers and the NEA to support each other in sharing Disparity in pay between teachers and other professionals highlighted US educator tells conference domination of teaching by women could be one cause PLEASE SEE PAY, 45 JTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE Dr Chriss-Ann Simpson Harley, obstetrician and gynaecologist (left) being presented with a token of appreciation, following her presentation at the JTA’s Women’s Conference. Making the presentation is Sharlene Mills, member of the Status of Women Committee. Also in the photo is Estelle Davis Wright. WOMAN TO WOMAN: Guest speaker at the JTA’s Women’s Conference, President of the National Education Association (NEA) of the United States, Rebecca Pringle receives a token of appreciation from Jean Brown, member of the JTA’s PR Committee.
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