In talks

The Ministry of Education is reportedly in discussions with authorities in Virginia, United States about possibly hiring qualified Barbadian teachers to deal with staff shortages in public schools there.

According to Fairfax County government documents obtained by all-news radio station and website WTOP News in Virginia, representatives from both sides are scheduled to further discuss the potential partnership later this month.

The media outfit reported on Tuesday that in an email to the Fairfax County School Board, Superintendent of Fairfax County Public Schools Michelle Reid said the partnership being considered “is intended to help the department with a teacher shortage”.

The idea was first pitched to Barbados’ education officials last month.

In a presentation at that time, officials from the highly-rated public school district said they were considering a three-phase approach to the proposed partnership.

Phase 2, tentatively scheduled for June 2023 to June 2024, includes hiring efforts and Fairfax County’s infrastructure plans, including housing assistance. The exchange programme, according to the plan detailed in the presentation, will begin in June 2024.

Fairfax County Schools officials are expected to learn more about the country’s education system and make a presentation to the Barbados Union of Teachers later this month, according to WTOP.

It added that officials from both jurisdictions are planning monthly meetings to learn more about how transitions can be “affordable and seamless” for interested teachers.

Among the positions being advertised by the Fairfax public school system, which serves a student population of more than 180 000, are Biology, English, History & Social Studies, Spanish, Mathematics, and Business & Information Technology teachers.

Barbadian educators were able to start applying for jobs in the county in September and will be able to do so again between November this year and March 2023.

Interested teachers will be required to have a degree and course transcripts approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

They will also have to qualify for one of the state’s alternative routes to getting a licence, and would have to apply for an official statement of eligibility document from the state before applying for jobs in the county.

According to WTOP, the idea to look to Barbados for assistance came from two Fairfax County teachers who came from the island in 1995.

Fairfax County Public Schools is one of the largest school divisions in the US with 198 schools and centres that serve a student population of more than 180 000 in grades pre-kindergarten through 12.

Schools in the county are in the top 30 per cent of public educational institutions in Virginia. (WTOP/BT)