THE EDITOR, Sir:

I HAVE been a teacher of mathematics for three years. In my few years of experience, I have never come across anyone planning to pursue a degree in law or medicine until they encounter better opportunities.

However, it seems that the majority of teachers are simply passing through the profession until they can find greener pastures. Far too often, for example, persons had dreams of studying medicine. Upon not meeting entry requirements to the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of the West Indies, they end up teaching science subjects.

Not committed

Quite a few of these persons become outstanding, first-class teachers who sacrifice themselves by going the extra mile each day to meet the needs of their students. Sadly, though, it seems that the majority of such teachers make it plainly known in their commitment to the task and in their attitude to their students, that they are not all too happy to be in the classroom. I strongly believe that it is teachers such as these who make it difficult for teachers on a whole to earn the pay and respect that they deserve.

I believe that the solution to this problem lies in what it takes for one to be deemed a qualified teacher. For one to be deemed a lawyer or doctor, he must successfully complete at least five gruelling years of study and practice.

Too easy

On the other hand, it seems to be almost humorously easy for one to be deemed a trained teacher - in some cases, as little as six months to a year. I firmly believe that as for similar professions, such as law or medicine, it ought to be very challenging for one to earn his qualifications in teaching. In this way, only those who truly have the passion for it will pursue it. In fact, I believe we should go the route of some Western countries where one has to have at least a master's degree in education to teach at the primary level.

If we can transform the education sector in such a way that it takes at least five gruelling years to become a trained teacher, similar to other more esteemed professions, then to my mind, it will become a whole lot easier for us teachers to argue our case for the pay we deserve. Furthermore, the respect for the profession would be reinstated.

I am, etc.,

SHELDON McDonald

sheldon.McDonald@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica