Senator Chad Blackman welcomes teachers back for new school term

As Minister of Educational Transformation, I am delighted to welcome all teachers back to school for Term 3 of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. Over the last eight weeks at the helm of the ministry, I’ve had the honour to meet with a number of stakeholders in the education system, including meeting with all of the Primary school teachers in the Northern and Central Zones, (with the Southern and Eastern scheduled shortly), all the teachers’ unions, as well as our the student councils.

Listening to the teachers’ experiences first hand, and understanding the challenges that they face as they strive to make a meaningful impact on our children’s lives. During the meetings, I noted the significant sacrifices that were made, especially during the COVID 19 Pandemic, and the yeoman service that was given in ensuring that our children receive quality education. I recognize that the journey is not always easy, but I remain deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication that teachers show each day as they engage with students and parents alike.

Every citizen in Barbados should acknowledge the crucial role teachers play in shaping our nation’s future. There is not a single person in this country who has not been influenced by a teacher at some point in their lives. For many, teachers have been a source of inspiration; forothers, a refuge during difficult times; and for some, even a lifeline when guidance was most needed. Teaching is more than the 38 weeks of structured instruction—it is a lifelong commitment to nurturing minds, shaping destinies and influencing generations.

I have often spoken openly and unapologetically about the profound impact one of our nation’s teaching stalwarts, Matthew Farley had on my life and my path in public service. You too, have had teachers who have shaped you, perhaps even more than one. We owe it to them to express our gratitude and acknowledge their influence in shaping who we are today.

With this in mind, our Ministry remains committed to placing educators at the forefront of our decision-making and policy development. As part of this commitment, we have prioritized professional development, the provision of technological resources—including devices and online educational tools—and the improvement of physical working environments.

We recognize that the issue of Term’s Leave has been a longstanding challenge, persisting for over eleven years and negatively impacting our teachers. Over the past eight weeks, we have dedicated our fullest attention to resolving this matter, and we are pleased to report that significant progress has been made. Additionally, from the outset of my tenure, I pledged—both to our teachers and to the nation—that we would establish an annual National Teachers’ Award. This ceremony will serve as a meaningful platform to honor educators for their hard work and unwavering dedication.

As part of the Ministry’s transformation agenda, we are implementing changes to internal systems aimed at making teachers’ professional lives more efficient. Following discussions with educators, I directed our Ministry’s team to digitize key services, ensuring real-time access to pay slips and job letters. Once fully implemented, these upgrades will eliminate delays and streamline administrative processes.

When we support teachers in excelling at their work, we create better learning environments for our children and open pathways for their success. Likewise, we urge parents to continue standing beside their children’s teachers—because we are all on the same team, united in our mission to provide the best opportunities for our students. We encourage parents to seize every chance to collaborate with educators, knowing that the rewards for their children will be immeasurable. Now more than ever, our children need a strong and supportive community to guide them forward.

To our education stakeholders, we trust you to be steadfast advocates for fairness and justice. Continue to lead with courage and integrity in your advocacy. And to our wider society—future employers, service providers, and community leaders—never forget that teachers have played a vital role in the success of those on whom you now rely. To this end, I want to also encourage our country’s private sector to join us in celebrating our teachers in tangible ways as they see fit.

When speaking of them, let us do so with the deep respect we reserve for the great minds upon whose shoulders we stand. Together, let us redefine how we see and support our teachers. This approach is part and parcel of us creating the #1 teaching service on earth.