On behalf of the National Education Association (NEA) and our 3 million members, we stand in solidarity with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) in your advocacy for a fair and equitable Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Act of 2025.

As fellow members of Education International, we share your commitment to strengthening the teaching profession and ensuring that educators have a strong and respected voice in shaping the policies that affect our classrooms and communities.

We are deeply concerned about the version of the JTC Act passed by the Jamaican Senate on April 25, 2025. The lack of sufficient educator representation on the JTC board, overly punitive disciplinary provisions, and burdensome licensing requirements undermine professional autonomy and risk further exacerbating educators' challenges.

Your call for meaningful amendments to promote fair governance, professional agency, and sustainable support for Jamaica's educators is urgent and justified. We fully support your call for constructive dialogue with policymakers to revise the bill.

We (NEA) echo your belief that legislation governing the teaching profession must be developed in close consultation with teachers' unions to ensure it reflects the realities of the classroom and supports educators' professional growth and well-being.

We commend the JTA’s commitment to protecting educators’ rights and dignity. Please know that we stand with you (JTA) in solidarity as you push for the necessary improvements to the JTC

Act 2025. Together, we will continue to advocate for an education system that uplifts and empowers the teaching profession

Signed: - Rebecca S. Pringle President -NEA

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For further information please

Contact:

Leaon Nash

Administrative Officer

Communication & Public Relations

Tel:876-874-8162

Email: [email protected]