– Says recruitment drive aims to change this growing phenomenon that exists at all levels of the education system
EDUCATION Minister Mr. Shaik Baksh is appealing to secondary school students, particularly males, who have been successful at their CSEC examinations to join the teaching profession. Baksh, speaking at a recent forum, lamented on the limited number of male teachers in the school system, and said measures will be put in place to make the profession more attractive to males.  
“Given the occasional unsatisfactory behaviour of students, among other issues, educators are becoming increasingly aware of the need for more male teachers in the school system to serve as positive role models to boys, and assist in the reversal of their underachievement,” the minister pointed out.

This situation, he said, is not unique to any one country, and noted that many countries have made attempts to narrow the gender disparity in the teaching profession.

Similarly, Guyana is following suit, and the recruitment drive aims to change this growing phenomenon that exists at all levels of the education system.

Data from the Ministry’s 2008-2009 Statistic Digest has indicated that the ratio of male to female teachers in the education system is 1:247 at the nursery level; 1:7 at the primary levels; and 1:2 at the secondary level.

These figures, in comparison with other countries, are not vastly different, and generally reflect a worldwide trend.

The minister said that, notwithstanding the concerns about the poor number of males in the profession locally, it was encouraging to note that a male, Villon Paris, has emerged as the best graduating teacher at the recent Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) graduation exercise.

Minister Baksh highlighted that, apart from the drive to encourage more males into the profession, the government has also been making continuous efforts to improve the working conditions and welfare of teachers.

“Teachers today enjoy uniform allowance, a salary increase for upgrading their qualifications, those from the coastland performing duties in certain areas in the hinterland regions receive an additional $30,000 housing allowance, along with other allowances, and headteachers also receive duty-free concession, among others,” Baksh said.

In addition, the Education Ministry has been working with the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to accelerate the housing programme for teachers.

The thrust of these interventions is to, not only ensure a gender balance in the profession and enable teachers to be more comfortable and better-equipped to deliver in the classroom, but also to provide learners with an opportunity to leave the school system as rounded individuals.

The ministry, in the last week before the closure of school, has circulated brochures to all secondary schools encouraging the departing Fifth Form students to join the profession. The CSEC results are expected to be available by August month-end.