In a passionate discussion with TNN News, a group of frustrated schoolteachers from Bermuda’s public education system voiced their concerns over the Ministry of Education and the leadership of the current Minister. With an election on the horizon, the teachers are urging the public to save your children, highlighting what they describe as a broken system that is failing students, particularly Black children.
One of the biggest issues is the curriculum, said one teacher. We’ve had Cambridge for years now, and it’s not serving our children well. Teachers who’ve been doing it since its inception are still confused. It doesn’t align with being culturally relevant for our children.
Despite Cambridge officials reportedly advising the Ministry to adapt the curriculum to fit Bermuda’s unique needs, teachers say there has been no clear guidance or meaningful workshops to support this. We go to these workshops, and there’s nothing to actually educate us or develop our skills.
A SYSTEM FAILING BLACK STUDENTS
The teachers raised concerns about systemic inequities, particularly for Black boys, who they say are not being served by the current system. There are too many children in special education programs who don’t need to be there. And it’s taking too long to serve that population because this transformation they’re doing is still too heavy-handed academically.
One educator criticized the requirement for 12-year-olds to choose their future career paths when selecting a signature school. These children don’t even know why they come to school, let alone what they want to do for the rest of their lives. We’re not giving them the tools they need to succeed into adulthood.
Leadership and Resource Mismanagement
The teachers were candid in their assessment of the Ministry’s s leadership. Since the Hopkins Report in 2007, which called for a massive overhaul of the Ministry of Education, we’re seen more administrative posts created, but what are these people actually doing? They make big bucks, but we don’t t see them in schools.
Resources for students are scarce, they said, while money seems to be concentrated at the top. When I try to get resources for my students, there’s s no money for anything. Who is this system for? It doesn’t feel like it’s s for the children.
MINISTER OF EDUCATION UNDER FIRE
The teachers did not hold back in their criticism of the current Minister of Education, who is set to become the longest-serving education minister in Bermuda’s history. I don’t think he knows what he’s doing, and I don’t think he cares to learn. He doesn’t understand the importance of education, and the people around him aren’t guiding him properly.
They emphasized that the ministers unwillingness to listen to educators on the ground is a significant problem. He needs to go. He’s our biggest problem, and our children will continue to suffer if he stays.
The educators concluded with a powerful call to action: Whats happening to Bermudas children in this education system would be classified as an act of war if it were happening in a foreign country. We need change, and we need it now.
As the election looms, their message to the public is clear: the Ministry isn’t listening, we hope the people of Bermuda are.
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