After more than three years of review, Jamaica&rsquo;s Senate has passed the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill, incorporating 38 amendments aimed at strengthening the education system. The legislation, designed to enhance accountability and raise the status of the teaching profession, will now move to the House of Representatives for debate.
A key feature of the bill is the establishment of the Jamaica Teaching Council, which will oversee teacher regulation and the issuing of licences. Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, who closed the debate in the Upper House, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the bill, calling it "Jamaica&rsquo;s bill." She confirmed that teachers will have 24 months to apply for licences once the law takes effect. Those already recognized under the Education Act will be deemed registered under the new framework.
However, Opposition spokesman on education Damion Crawford raised concerns, describing Jamaica's education sector as being in crisis, with only 18 percent of students leaving high school with five subjects, including Mathematics and English. He criticized the bill as more punitive than supportive, pointing to heavy penalties&mdash;including fines of up to $1.5 million or a year in prison&mdash;for teaching without a licence. Crawford also warned that the bill&rsquo;s lack of flexibility could hurt schools struggling with teacher shortages.
Despite these concerns, Government senators defended the bill. Senator Kavan Gayle described it as a "progressive" move to modernize the education system, while Senator Marlon Morgan stressed that the council would support teachers' development rather than penalize them.
The legislation marks a significant step toward professionalizing teaching in Jamaica, though debate continues over its potential impact on educators and schools across the country.

After more than three years of review, Jamaica’s Senate has passed the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill, incorporating 38 amendments aimed at

Senate Passes JTC Bill with 38 Amendments