Education Minister Suggests Key Areas Where JTA Could Maintain and Enhance its Relevance

Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Fayval Williams, has suggested several key areas where the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) could maintain and enhance its relevance in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

Addressing a JTA church service at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, on August 18, to commemorate the entity’s 60th anniversary, Mrs. Williams said key among these are ongoing efforts to motivate and support teachers, as this directly impacts the delivery of quality education.

Mrs. Williams encouraged the Association to continue providing valuable input in crucial areas, such as curriculum development, assessment practices, teacher certification, and ensuring that educators’ voices remain central in decision-making processes.

“Also, continue to insist on continuous professional development and opportunities for teachers, which will help teachers stay current with educational trends, new technologies and effective teaching methodologies,” she added.

“I know the JTA works closely with the Jamaica Teaching Council in this area, and I encourage you to forge even stronger bonds,” the Minister said.
The Minister urged the JTA to remain a driving force in education by staying adaptable and forward-thinking.

Mrs. Williams emphasised the importance of the JTA’s role in promoting ethical standards within the teaching profession as well as maintaining its integrity and respect.

She encouraged the Association to forge stronger bonds with local and international educational organisations, as this will help to facilitate Jamaica’s participation in global conversations on education and bring new ideas and best practices to the island’s education system.

In the meantime, the Minister is advocating for the JTA to invest in research focused on teaching effectiveness, student outcomes, and policy impacts.

“The research will help to inform your own advocacy efforts and ensure that what you do remains grounded in evidence, thus enabling the JTA to remain credible and influential in educational discourse,” Mrs. Williams said.

The JTA’s 60th anniversary is being celebrated under the theme ‘Preserving the Legacy: Remaining Relevant for the Future’.

A three-day conference is set for Ocean Coral Spring, in Trelawny, from August 19 to 21, when educators will have discussions vital in shaping Jamaica’s education system.