Union Calls For Consultation On Education Plans
The Bermuda Union of Teachers and the Ministry of Education are at odds over the handling of recent education reform proposals, with the Union asserting that teachers have not been properly consulted on changes affecting their professional practice, while the Ministry maintains that structured engagement has occurred through school leaders and established governance processes.
Bermuda Union of Teachers Statement
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] is deeply concerned by the Ministry of Education’s continued lack of meaningful consultation with teachers regarding recent education reform proposals.
“Following a meeting held yesterday with the Premier, it has become clear to the BUT that the Minister of Education does not intend to engage in direct consultation with teachers on matters that directly affect their professional practice and working conditions. The Union strongly reiterates that consultation is not optional – it is a fundamental obligation clearly outlined in the BUT’s governing documents and long-standing industrial relations principles.
“Consulting with school principals, while important, does not constitute consultation with teachers. Teachers are the professionals working daily in classrooms, and their voices must be heard directly, not filtered through management structures. Meaningful consultation requires open dialogue with teachers themselves, through their duly recognized representative body.
“The BUT is particularly concerned that the Ministry of Education has failed to respond to requests from the Union and from parish primary schools seeking the opportunity to provide feedback on the reform proposals circulated during the week of January 19th. Now, more than three weeks later, teachers have received no formal response, or indication of when, or if, such engagement will occur.
“We are also disappointed to learn that the Minister has indicated she will not respond directly to teachers, advising instead that teachers should communicate through their line managers. This position has contributed to widespread confusion and frustration across the system. At a time of significant proposed change, the Minister and her team should be taking every opportunity to meet directly with teachers and other affected groups to clarify intentions, listen to concerns, and build trust.
“The lack of consultation – both prior to the release of the proposals and in the weeks following – undermines confidence in the reform process and disregards the professional expertise of teachers. Education reform cannot succeed without the active involvement of those who deliver instruction to this country’s students every day.
“The Bermuda Union of Teachers once again calls on the Ministry of Education to honour its obligation to consult, to engage directly with teachers in a timely and transparent manner, and to ensure that any proposed reforms are informed by those with firsthand classroom experience. We do not believe that this is too much to ask.”
Ministry of Education Statement
A Government spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] has recently made statements about the Ministry of Education’s stakeholder engagement process that do not accurately reflect the discussions held to date.
“The Minister of Education and the Acting Permanent Secretary met with the BUT Executive on Tuesday, January 20, to present the recommendations developed by the principals of the parish primary and middle schools. This meeting was among the first held with key stakeholders of which there were 24 in total.
“Most recently a confidential conversation was held between the President & General Secretary of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Premier and the Minister of Education to discuss the process for stakeholder engagement in matters of education transformation. It is deeply disappointing that details arising from that confidential discussion have been mischaracterised publicly by the BUT.
“The assertion that the Minister of Education has refused to consult with teachers is inaccurate. The Minister values and respects the professional expertise of teachers and recognises them as critical stakeholders in Bermuda’s education system. However, engagement must occur within established governance structures and protocols. The Minister has appropriately engaged school leaders first, as they are responsible for the management and operations of their respective schools. Principals , all of whom are experienced former teachers, are entrusted with representing their school communities professionally and effectively. Respecting this structure is not exclusionary; it is consistent with sound leadership and organisational practice.
“The Bermuda Union of Teachers was fully aware of the Ministry’s engagement process and the Minister’s intentions. During the Bermuda Trade Union Congress meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., the Minister clearly articulated the planned phased approach to stakeholder consultation, as has been the established custom and practice. After that meeting, concerns were raised regarding the Union’s decision to release a survey containing information derived from confidential discussions before the Ministry had completed its structured engagement process.
“Throughout the month of January, the Ministry of Education conducted targeted stakeholder meetings to review recommendations submitted by school leaders most directly impacted by reform and transformation efforts. Leaders with lived and front line experience operating within the parish primary and Middle school model were consulted specifically to assess student transition outcomes, identify any curricular gaps, and examine infrastructure or operational challenges affecting the delivery of high-quality education.
“School boards, principals, union representatives, the Department of Education, parents, teachers, PTA executives and other relevant stakeholders were apprised of the recommendations. Feedback was actively sought, questions were answered, and concerns were documented. Principals were responsible for communicating with teachers and parents within their school communities to ensure clarity and context. This approach was intentional, recognising the established relationships and trust that exists between school leadership and their respective communities.
“To suggest that there was no consultation prior to or following the development of recommendations is incorrect. Consultation occurred before recommendations were formulated, most recently during their consideration, and continues as part of the ongoing transformation process. Education transformation in Bermuda has always been informed by educators. The framework itself was developed by a team of teachers, and the Ministry team currently leading this work is comprised of experienced educators who have taught at multiple levels within the Bermuda Public School System. What has occurred is a difference in opinion regarding the order and method of engagement — not a refusal to consult.
“It is important to note that the premature public disclosure of incomplete discussions disrupted the Ministry’s structured engagement plan and contributed significantly to public confusion. Since that time, the Ministry has met with multiple stakeholder groups to clarify accurate information, address concerns directly, and ensure transparency moving forward.
“Education transformation requires collaboration, professionalism, and responsible communication. The Ministry remains committed to meaningful engagement with teachers and all stakeholders, while ensuring that established governance processes are respected and that information is shared in a measured and constructive manner.
“The focus remains, as it must, on delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences for Bermuda’s students.”
