PNP warns JTC Bill could burden and demoralise educators
Concerns raised over costs and penalties in proposed law
Published:Wednesday | April 30, 2025 | 12:11 AMSashana Small/Staff Reporter
The People’s National Party (PNP) has raised strong concerns about the Teaching Council Bill, passed in the Senate last Friday, warning that it may impose financial strain on teachers and further demoralise the profession.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Opposition Spokesman on Education Damion Crawford criticised the bill’s fast-tracked approach, arguing that it fails to reflect the current realities within Jamaica’s education system. While stressing the PNP’s support for regulation, Crawford said the bill lacks provisions that genuinely support teachers.
“The People’s National Party believes that the JTC bill should treat our teachers with trust, with understanding and with support [rather than] with the punitive nature that may cause an increase in migration and more negative than positives,” he said.
The legislation, which passed with 38 amendments, seeks to establish the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) to oversee regulation and licensing of teachers. It will next be debated in the Lower House. However, Crawford expressed concern that the Government may again use its parliamentary majority to force the bill through, despite what he called “mounting public opposition”.
Crawford particularly objected to the bureaucratic registration process, which requires teachers to register every five years and submit police records. He recommended extending the period to 10 years, combining registration and licensing into a single streamlined process, and limiting the police record requirement to once unless there is just cause. He also proposed a six-month grace period for licence renewal after expiry.
Educator Ethnie Miller Simpson, who is aiming to contest St Andrew North Western in the upcoming polls, questioned the bill’s provision for mandatory Continuous Professional Development (CPD), warning that it may not be accessible or affordable, especially for rural teachers.
FINANCIAL BURDEN
“The estimated burden here is that if CPD programmes cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year, a teacher could spend up to $300,000 over a 10-year licensing cycle simply to remain eligible for work,” she said.
She added that failure to comply with CPD requirements – whether due to cost or limited access – could result in teachers losing their licences and livelihoods, regardless of competence or experience.
Miller Simpson also criticised the bill for not recognising on-the-job contributions such as mentoring junior teachers, leading school initiatives, working overtime, or demonstrating long-term excellence, which currently earn no CPD credit.
“The bill is clear about punishing noncompliance with CPD requirements – such as suspension, refusal to renew their licence – however, nowhere does the bill provide for salary increases, promotion advantages, or even professional recognition for those teachers who complete their professional development diligently,” she said.
She added: “Teachers are expected to invest time and money in their professional development, but there are no benefits attached, only penalties if they fail.”
To address this, Crawford proposed that all required CPD courses be free or subsidised, CPD credit be given for in-service achievements, and that a national CPD portal be established – accessible both online and offline. He also urged a six-month grace period for those unable to complete CPD due to legitimate challenges and recommended salary increments for those who meet the CPD requirements.
He further argued the bill marginalises volunteer teachers and online tutors, and lacks clear definitions of “fit and proper” or “competent” teachers – raising concerns it could usher in performance-based pay via the backdoor.
Lastly, he called for the JTC to be funded by direct government subvention, not teacher licence fees.
“With 30,000 teachers, if the licensing fee is $20,000 per teacher, they would have taxed the teachers $600 million. If it is that this is so necessary, it should be funded by the Government, and not by teachers paying fees,” he said.