By Bernews3
Copyright bernews
Ben Smith Calls For Update On Education
Shadow Minister of Education Ben Smith is calling for an update from the Minister of Education, saying “the system should be creating an environment to thrive.”
Mr. Smith said, “Bermuda’s parents, teachers, and students deserve straight answers. Why are substitute teachers having to wait to be paid? Why are there too few certified teachers to fill classrooms?
“Why do we lack enough paraprofessionals to support students with learning and behavioural needs?
“When students are identified with behavioural challenges early in the school year, how long does it take for a teacher to receive proper classroom support? Do we even have enough trained staff to meet the needs already identified this term? In the meantime, what happens to learning in that classroom, both for the student in need and for their peers while the system struggles to respond?
“The Ministry’s own budget shows total staff numbers relatively steady for the past five years, despite the closure of several schools. So why are we are seeing more teacher shortages, heavier reliance on substitutes, and rising classroom pressures?
“Clearly, there is a deeper problem. Why were these shortages and gaps not identified and addressed before September 2025? Why are families and teachers left to deal with the consequences of poor planning year after year?
“I am calling on the Minister of Education to provide:
Immediate transparency by publishing current teacher vacancy numbers, substitute fill-rates, and support-staff allocations for every school
A staffing plan outlining recruitment and retention
Support for support staff. Fund and train paraprofessionals and counsellors so teachers can teach and students receive the help they need
Early intervention timelines. Guarantee maximum response times when a teacher requests behavioural or learning support for a student
“Our students are showing remarkable resilience despite these identified challenges but the system should be creating an environment to thrive. It is time for the Minister of Education to give Bermuda a real update and a real plan.”
