Teachers at the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School (ITSS) continue to stand in solidary with Miss Kendra Roberts, who they believe has been treated unfairly by the Ministry of Education.
Miss Roberts acted as one of the vice principals at the school for the last six years. However, at the end of the last school year 2020/2021, the positions of vice principal, heads of department and counsellors became redundant at all government secondary schools. These positions were reorganized under the new classification system and teachers, who met the requirements, were asked to apply for the available positions. Those who were deemed as having had the qualifications were interviewed by a panel, so as to determine their readiness for the role.
Towards the end of February, teachers who were successful in their interviews, were issued correspondence from the Ministry of Education, indicating what position they had obtained.
Miss Roberts, having applied and interviewed for the position of vice principal, was not chosen for the post for which she applied, or any other position for that matter. This means, that she would be back to being a regular teacher.
The teachers felt that it was unfair to have had two new vice principals, one from their school and another transferred from the Pierre Charles Secondary, instead of Miss Roberts. They believe, that she had done the job more than adequately, by going above and beyond the call of duty for the last six years.
There is general consensus among staff that Miss Roberts was victimized in not obtaining the position since she has the necessary qualifications and had acted effectively in that role for a few years.
In speaking to one teacher who wishes to remain anonymous, she stated, “Teachers are not walking out of the class. Instead, we refrain from going to the class but post assignments via the online platform-google class. We need answers,” she stated.
It appears that the teachers have written to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education to share their concern about the decision made re Miss Roberts, however, they have not received any response. As such, they claim that it feels as if their concerns have fallen on deaf ears, so by protesting, they hope to garner the attention that they desire.
Some parents, on the other hand, are growing agitated by the whole issue as they believe that their children are suffering from not having live interactions with the teachers. This is especially true of those whose children are in fifth form, who will be writing the upcoming Caribbean Secondary School Education Certificate (CSEC) exams.
Students are a bit concerned about falling behind as a result of this protest, and while some were disheartened in not having Miss Roberts return as vice principal, they wish that their lessons would not be interrupted.
