Senate approves bill to regulate the teaching profession

The Senate has approved a proposed law that will formally establish the Jamaica Teaching Council, which will regulate the profession and issue licences.

The legislation, which has been discussed for more than two decades, will head to the House for debate. Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon, who piloted the bill, said approved teachers will be published, similar to lawyers.

The the Jamaica Teaching Council bill proposes the introduction of provisions that differentiate between registered teachers, licensed teachers, and authorised instructors. It will introduce a fit and proper requirement, including criminal background checks to teach.

It will also provide special pathways for skilled professionals without traditional teaching credentials to receive temporary authorisation to teach.

Regarding penalties, offences related to unauthorised teaching or misrepresentation will incur fines of up to $500,000 or up to $1.5 million or imprisonment not exceeding 12 months.

The Bill also includes transitional provisions.

Senator Morris Dixon said teachers already registered under the Education Act are grandfathered into the new system but must apply for a licence or authorisation within 24 months.

The legislation was approved in the Senate with 38 amendments.

More details to come.

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