PRESIDENT of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte, is in support of a reduction of the prevalence of extra lessons in schools and has reiterated the call for increased salaries for teachers.

At a recent forum, Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine called for a reduction in extra lessons in schools, since they are viewed as another means for teachers to generate income.

Since assuming office, Dr. Roopnaraine has been advocating increased teachers’ salaries, given that teachers have crucial roles to play in the classroom. However, not much has been met given that the budget is yet to be completed.

Apart from being another means of generating income for teachers, extra lessons also stem from students sitting in excess of 20 subjects at the secondary level. Many are therefore compelled to attend extra lessons, since only a certain number of subjects can be taught in school.
Given these reasons, extra lessons have become an industry in Guyana. As such, Dr. Roopnaraine noted with disgust that this occurrence also indicates that teachers are failing inside the classrooms and are not meeting the curriculum.
Holding an opposing view, Lyte said that teachers are performing their duties in the classrooms while referencing recent assessments carried out in schools.
“I won’t support the point that teachers are not completing the curriculum,” proclaimed Lyte.
In echoing similar sentiments to that of Dr. Roopnaraine, Lyte added that students have long been sitting 20 subjects in schools which would ultimately push the need for extra lessons. In order to curb this, Lyte said the Ministry of Education (MoE) should place a restriction on students writing more than 10 subjects at the secondary level.
With the reduction of extra lessons, Lyte is urging the MoE to find better ways and means to compensate teachers, beginning with enhancing their packages to deliver the content needed. The GTU’s main concern remains increased teachers’ salaries, since the incomes earned by teachers have never been viewed as financially rewarding.
Dr. Roopnaraine shares Lyte’s view, as he too believes that teachers have to be properly compensated for their work. However, Dr. Roopnaraine remains firm in calling for less extra lessons and for greater focus in classrooms.
The GTU was the first institution visited by the minister since assuming office. Concerns were raised and were taken into consideration by the MoE. The ministry is therefore working closely with the union to formulate policies together for the enhancement of teachers’ remuneration packages.
The National Parent-Teachers Association is however in the process of re-developing, so that both parents and teachers can carry out policies.
Additionally, the GTU is seeking measures to increase the amount of time spent in delivering Math and English in classrooms, so that students can excel in their examinations.

 
By Shivanie Sugrim