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My Fellow Educators,
As we gather to celebrate the festive season and welcome the new year, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for each of you. The holiday season offers us a moment to pause and reflect on the past year, appreciate our accomplishments, and look forward to the opportunities that are ahead. It is my prayer that the good Lord will continue to sustain you.
This year has been one of challenges and triumphs, and through it all, you have demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and passion. Your unwavering commitment to education, even in the face of adversity, has been nothing short of inspirational.
As the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are reminded of the strength and unity that have carried us through six decades of advocacy, progress and the staunch defence of the rights of our teachers.
Christmas is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. It is a time to cherish our loved ones, to celebrate our blessings, and to extend our compassion and generosity to those around us. As we gather with family and friends, let us also take a moment to recognize the profound impact we have on the lives of our students and the future of our nation. Your dedication to nurturing young minds and shaping the leaders of tomorrow is a gift that keeps on giving.
As we approach the new year, let us embrace a spirit of optimism and renewal. The new year brings with it new beginnings and endless possibilities. It is a time to set new goals, to recommit to our mission, and to look forward with hope and determination. The JTA remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for the rights of all teachers, advocating for fair salaries, improved working conditions, and the resources needed to provide the highest quality education for our students.
We recognize the increasing pressures and demands placed on teachers and administrators …..as a result of the rapidly evolving technology such as AI and social media, poor infrastructure in many of our schools, under investment in education and the social challenges that impact our students and school communities. Yet, it is through our collective strength and solidarity that we are able to muster the courage to overcome these obstacles and forge a more dynamic union.
The JTA will continue to champion the rights of all our teachers, ensuring that your concerns are amplified and that real change can begin to take root and transform the future of all Jamaicans.
In the coming year, let us work together to build on our successes and address the challenges we encounter. As your president in the 60th year of the association’s history, I want to hear from you.
To this end, we have embarked on a series of national consultations to hear from you our membership. I am deeply committed to engaging you in the process of renewal and transformation of our union to ensure it better serves you. I ask of you, to join me on this movement to transform this sacred 60 year old institution, an institution that has been a pillar of educational and national development. Our commitment to our students and the future of our country remains unwavering. Together, we can create an educational environment that fosters growth, innovation, and excellence.
As we celebrate this festive season, I encourage you to take time for yourselves, to rest and rejuvenate, and to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Remember that your wellbeing is essential to the success of our mission. Let us enter the new year with renewed energy, ready to continue the important work that we do.
Once again, thank you for your dedication, your hard work, and your unwavering support. Remember, you are the heart and soul of our education system, and your contributions make a profound difference in the lives of countless students. As we celebrate this joyous season and welcome the new year, let us carry forward the spirit of hope, unity, and optimism.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace, joy, and prosperity.
Dr Mark Smith
JTA President
December 2024