Education Ministry Tackles Teacher Vacancies, Aims To Fill Over 400 Positions

The Ministry of Education is looking to fill over 400 teacher vacancies in the education system. Speaking at a Joint Select Committee of the Parliament on Wednesday, Acting Chief Education Officer Aaron Ramrattan said vacancies in both the Primary and Secondary Schools have been identified. "Well, there are approximately 13,500 teachers, Primary and Secondary School. In terms of Primary vacancies that we are currently engaged in filling 96 in the Government Primary Schools, and 44 in the Denominational schools. And that is currently being addressed. At the Secondary level, we have 293 vacancies and again, that is currently being addressed because we have two systems that we operate with regards to filling of vacancies - we have a substitute teacher system where if you have interim absence of teachers that Principals can access, and also in terms of filling permanent vacancies." Mr. Ramrattan said there could be some delays to fill the vacancies, but noted that the Ministry of Education continues its progress. "Teacher vacancies, basically one of the points we would have included this year basically in terms of the timing of appointments, there could be delays and because of delays, we are saying that could also be a factor that would affect contact teaching time with students."