Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Science and Technology, the Hon. Chester Cooper addressed the issue of teacher shortage at a press event launching a task force for Bahamian teacher recruitment on Thursday.
During his remarks Minister Cooper issued a clarion call for Bahamians to join the teaching profession. He said, “our government will continue investing in Bahamian teacher development. We will continue improving recruitment. We will continue expanding opportunities for Bahamians to enter the profession. But where additional qualified teachers are needed we will act responsibly and decisively because the cost of doing nothing is simply too high.”
It was recently revealed that the government is in talks to recruit 300 teachers from Ghana. This move received resistance from Bahamas Union of Teachers President, Belinda Wilson who took exception to learning the information from a social media post made by Ghana’s foreign minister.
The Bahamian Teacher Recruitment Task Force Unit is located at the former Mable Walker Primary School where interested persons can apply. Education officials are also inviting retired teachers and Bahamians with specialized degrees to join the Teacher Reservist Program.
Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Senator Keenan Johnson also addressed the launch event. He said applications received through the online portal are also process by the unit. “We welcome experienced technical and vocational professionals who are ready to pass the practical skills that will prepare our young people for the workforce of our life. We have been working to streamline the recruitment process so that Bahamians experience a faster, more efficient and more transparent journey from application straight to employment,” Johnson said.
The ministry has established a help desk that can be reached at 323-2205, 323-2206 or 323-2209. They can also be reached via WhatsApp at 457-2823 or 477-2534.
