Amid growing concerns over the number of teachers who have resigned since the start of the year, Minister of Education Fayval Williams has sought to reassure the public that there are enough high-quality teachers in the public education system.

“We know that there may be some lingering unease about the number of teachers who have left the system, but I want to assure Jamaicans that there are enough high-quality teachers available to support the teaching and learning process at the highest standards,” the education minister said during her back-to-school message.

The education minister, who was speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, August 30, said that a total of 854 teachers in the public education system have resigned between January and September 2023.

This is a 44 per cent decline in the total number of teachers who resigned for the same period last year.

Despite the challenges plaguing the public education system, including teacher migration, Williams said that she is confident that her ministry is taking the right actions.

“Over the last weeks, we have met with different stakeholders to plan and develop different strategies for the best outcomes. Our recent strategic planning sessions with leaders across the ministry and its agencies helped to focus on the important pillars of transformation,” she said.

She further noted that teachers and principals play a crucial role in the transformation process.

“Your dedication is the foundation for a future for our students and the growth and prosperity of this nation. Our reforms acknowledge the difficulties you face and aim to equip you with the tools resources and opportunities that you truly deserve. Your passion ignites a love for learning in our students, we deeply appreciate it,” she said.