- Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Hopeton Henry, president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association.

Daraine Luton, Sunday Gleaner Reporter

"COME MONDAY morning, some principals will find that their teachers are gone."

That is the word from the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) president, Hopeton Henry. He said unfavourable wage negotiations, coupled with higher earning job opportunities overseas, continue to push teachers from the classrooms.

"Persons are leaving the schools as we speak," Mr. Henry told The Sunday Gleaner. "Principals are not going to pick this up until Monday morning," Mr. Henry said.

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Numerous advertisements in the print media and contacts made with schools over the past two weeks suggest a great demand for teachers in the areas of mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry.

On the weekend, Petersfield High in Westmoreland, Cedric Titus High in Trelawny, Mount Alvernia High in St. James, Ardenne High and St. George's College in the Corporate Area all advertised for teachers.

Mr. Henry said that although permanent teachers are required to give three months' notice if they intend to terminate their service, most teachers do not follow this guideline because they sometimes get job offers late.

Reports from central Jamaica suggest that more than 20 teachers have left their jobs and have moved elsewhere. One high school reportedly lost four teachers from its mathematics department. It is unclear whether these vacancies have been filled.

Mr. Henry said advertisements in today's newspapers and subsequent publications should give a clear indication of the areas of teacher shortage.

The Ministry of Education was unable to say how many teachers are either required or available for the various subject areas in the secondary schools and, therefore, could not present a clear picture of a shortfall.

Senator Noel Monteith, State Minister for Education, last week said a formal report has not been made to the ministry, but "we normally experience some difficulty in getting mathematics and science teachers."

Serious shortage

One ministry personnel confirmed that there was a serious shortage of French and Spanish teachers but could not put a figure to his claim. This shortage might have, however, been offset by the arrival of 17 Spanish teachers to the island a week ago.

The JTA boss said he has written testimonials for a number of teachers who are moving out of Jamaican classrooms and are seeking jobs in other countries.

In 2001, more than 600 teachers left the island for greener pastures in England and the United States. Mr. Henry said the exodus continues to take place and it is the most experienced teachers that normally leave.