It is great to note that the Teaching Service Commission is finally using and flexing its authority and influence over our teaching fraternity after so many years. It is also a relief to note that the UTT teachers have gotten the courage to form themselves into aprofessional body. This signals the beginning of the end of that god complex that pervades TTUTA and the majority of the teachers which this mono-focused union represents, and establishment of alternative educational organisations giving the public a different image of teachers in T&T.
The re-establishing of the disciplinary actions against derelict teachers gives the public a sense of redress for injustices inflicted on students on a daily basis. A word of caution though: implementation, monitoring and evaluation of systems established have always broken down in this country, so please ensure that the commission does what it claims. Also, be aware of the subjective nature of the office of principals which can inhibit or abuse the ability of the commission as bruised egos can be the criteria for some cases being reported. Therefore, methods of investigation must be thorough and redress for those found not guilty must be instituted.
Another factor to note is the penchant for teachers to close ranks, especially when the perception of "us against them" is injected among the teaching popu- lation. Thus sensitisation on what the commission is trying to do would dispel all fears and fear tactics employed by those who sense that their days are limited and the union which will now have to start working and thinking for the millions of dollars in dues collected monthly from its members.
Stacey Gould
Teachers Support Services
Claxton Bay