Letter of the Day | Schools need dedicated human resources departments

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There has been considerable confusion regarding teachers’ salaries recently. This misunderstanding stems from various news sources reporting issues related to incremental payments, causing many to believe that these payments would be retroactive. While the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) should be commended for their ongoing negotiations on behalf of teachers, it is evident that schools require a dedicated human resources (HR) department.

Most schools don’t have HR professionals on staff, which means that important problems affecting teachers often get ignored. School principals and heads of departments are doing their best, but they aren’t always trained to handle the wide variety of issues teachers deal with. This lack of dedicated HR help has led to teacher burnout, low morale, and high turnover rates.

Miscommunication just adds to their stress and creates a tough work environment. But if we had a knowledgeable HR manager in our schools, it could make a world of difference. They could support teachers and help ease the tension by providing a safe space where educators can voice their concerns without fear of judgement or retaliation.

HR departments in the schools have multiple benefits:

1. In many organisations, HR is the go-to for hiring and onboarding new staff. This is crucial in schools, where new teachers often feel out of their depth and alone in adjusting to the school culture. HR can set up ongoing orientation programmes that support educators throughout the year, giving them the resources and guidance they need to fit in and succeed.

2. HR can customise professional-development programmes to cater to the diverse experience levels of teachers. Everyone learns differently, and HR can organise training sessions that suit both newcomers and seasoned teachers, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and technology.

3. A major concern for teachers is figuring out their pay and benefits. An HR manager can break this down for them, explaining compensation structures clearly. Plus, HR can provide helpful tips on personal finance, like investment options and life insurance, helping teachers make the most of their salaries and improving their quality of life.

4. Having HR managers around helps create a culture where teachers feel comfortable expressing their needs. We all have days when we just need someone to listen, and an HR manager can give that support. They are also skilled at spotting changes in the workforce, which allows them to react quickly to shifts in the education landscape.

We need to think about all the positives that come with having HR managers in our schools. This isn’t just a trend. It is a smart move that has been shown to benefit many different fields. By investing in HR resources in our schools, we can foster a more supportive, effective, and sustainable environment for our teachers—and ultimately, for our students.

RICARDO SMITH