Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter
( L - R ) Romaine Isaacs - Glenmuir High, Toni-Ann Falconer - Glenmuir High, Omar Dacres - Kingston College, Renee Miller - Glenmuir High, Kirk Carr - Wolmer's Boys' - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
FED UP with what they say is the uncaring attitude of some teachers in the education system, some students are calling for the screening of educators
before they enter the teaching profession.
According to them, some teachers enter the profession because of the opportunities that the profession offers such as migration and access to higher education.
"Before they enter into teachers' colleges they should screen them and have specific questions on why they want to be a teacher," suggested Renee Miller, student at Glenmuir High School in Clarendon.
Speaking last week during a Gleaner Editors' Forum held at the company's North Street head offices in Kingston, Renee further recommended that teachers be screened after they graduate from college.
PATIENCE
Toni-Ann Falconer, student at Glenmuir High School, agrees that teachers should be screened. She said some teachers lack patience, noting that patience is important if students are to learn.
"I get very upset at school when the teachers are not patient. Nobody forced you in the profession. You knew what it required and patience is a basic requirement," said Toni-Ann.
But Kirk Carr of Wolmer's Boys School, in Kingston said some teachers enter the classroom with high aspirations but are turned off because of the attitude of some students who are disruptive and disrespectful.
"In transforming the education system we need to have a vision where we need to be and how we need to get there," said Romaine Isaacs, student at Glenmuir High School.
INCENTIVES
Omar Dacres, who attends Kingston College, told the forum that teachers should be given incentives based on their performance.
"I think the Government should offer incentives for teachers based on their performance," he said.
Brandford Bolt of Ardenne High School, St. Andrew said quality teachers are found in private institutions which offer extra lessons to students.
"People pay thousands to get there because that is where the quality teachers go because they are paid satisfactorily," he said.
