JTA notes teacher shortage and hopes posts will be filled by September

With teacher shortage affecting some schools, Jamaica Teacher’s Association President Mark Malabver is hoping that the vacant posts will be filled by September 2026.

Irie FM News observed that approximately 300 local teaching posts were advertised in the print media yesterday.

In an interview Mr. Malabver said this is customary at this time of the year, adding that many teachers continue to migrate.

The JTA president noted that a new trend has emerged, where teachers take vacation leave and inform schools of their plan not to return close to the end of their leave.

He pointed out that there is a shortage of teachers for a number of subject areas including : mathematics, literacy, music and geography.

Mr. Malabver said if many of the posts are not filled for the new school year, there will be a strain on the education system.