Ben Smith On Minister, Education, Interference
“The Minister of Education’s answers regarding her involvement in the Port Royal Primary School disciplinary matter have only deepened allegations of political interference in our public schools,” Opposition Leader Ben Smith said.
Opposition Leader Ben Smith said, At a time when teachers are facing unprecedented challenges, the Minister has chosen to involve herself in a disciplinary matter while remaining largely absent on the issues that are truly threatening Bermuda’s education system. The reality on the ground is becoming impossible to ignore.
“Teachers are increasingly telling us that they do not feel supported. They are being asked to manage violent and disruptive behaviour in classrooms, protect other students, maintain order, and create safe learning environments, yet many now fear that if they act to defend themselves or protect others from physical attack, they could find themselves subject to investigation, administrative leave, or disciplinary action.
“The message being received by many educators is clear: when problems arise, the system will scrutinize the teacher before it supports the teacher. That is a dangerous message.
“The consequence is predictable. Teachers are becoming less willing to put themselves in situations that could place their careers at risk. They are refusing to accept personal and professional risk for a system that repeatedly ignores their concerns and fails to provide meaningful support.
“This should alarm every parent in Bermuda.
“A school system cannot function if teachers no longer feel confident that they will be supported when maintaining discipline and protecting students. A school system cannot function if experienced educators conclude that the safest option is to step back rather than intervene when problems occur.
“While confidence among frontline educators continues to erode, the Minister’s priorities appear badly misplaced.
“Where was this urgency to intervene when public examination and testing results continued to show serious academic challenges?
“Where was this intervention when teachers repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate behavioural support and increasing classroom disruption?
“Where was this intervention when schools struggled with staffing shortages and burnout?
“Where was this urgency to intervene when parents and students were anxious to learn if their school would close or not?
“Where is the urgent plan to address the wave of retirements that many expect will impact public education over the coming years?
“The Minister has demonstrated that she is willing to intervene when schools are attempting to implement discipline. What Bermuda has not seen is the same level of intervention, urgency, or leadership when it comes to improving academic outcomes, supporting educators, addressing behavioural challenges, or preparing the education system for the future.
“There is a growing crisis of confidence within public education. Teachers are exhausted. Parents are frustrated. Schools are under pressure. Student outcomes remain a concern. Staffing challenges continue to grow.
“Yet at the very moment when strong leadership is required, the Minister appears either unwilling or unable to address the systemic issues confronting our schools.
“Bermuda’s teachers deserve support, not uncertainty.
“Bermuda’s students deserve safe, orderly classrooms where learning can take place.
“And Bermuda’s parents deserve a Minister who is focused on fixing the education system rather than inserting herself into individual disciplinary matters in the constituency where she ran for election while larger problems continue to worsen.
“The time has come for accountability. The time has come for leadership. If the Minister is unable to provide either, then she must seriously consider whether she remains the right person to lead Bermuda’s public education system. That’s why I have called upon her to resign. I now call on the Honourable Premier to hold his Minister accountable.”
The full Parliamentary Questions follows below [PDF here]:
