Teacher Shortages – By Sharon N. Simon
Teacher Shortages Ageing Facilities
[email protected]
Schools across Antigua and Barbuda reopened yesterday amid continuing concerns over teacher shortages, limited classroom space and ageing facilities.
Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers General Secretary Sharon Kelsick said union executives recently toured schools with education officials. While minor maintenance work remains unfinished at several locations, she said the union was generally satisfied with the progress made.
Conditions, however, vary significantly across the country. Some schools are grappling with serious teacher shortages, while others lack adequate classroom space, staff rooms and parking.
Kelsick identified lower pay, outdated facilities and inadequate benefits as three major factors affecting teacher recruitment and retention. She said many classrooms have changed little in 40 years and that educators sometimes have to carry buckets of water to flush toilets when the water supply is interrupted or pumps fail.
To help teachers meet growing workplace demands and adapt to digital integration, the union held professional development programmes this summer in partnership with the Canadian Teachers’ Federation.
It also secured a 25 per cent tuition discount for members through a memorandum of understanding with Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kelsick, who is also president of the Caribbean Union of Teachers, pledged continued regional solidarity and pointed to advocacy in support of the Guyana Teachers’ Union over the withholding of members’ dues following recent court rulings.
Union leaders urged teachers to maintain high professional standards and promised continued support throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. Staff representatives met last Wednesday for training aimed at helping them respond more effectively to members’ concerns.
