New standards for teachers

National Professional Standards for Teachers launched by education officials on 16 December were said to be the first of their kind in the Cayman Islands, according to Education Minister Rolston Anglin. 

Mr. Anglin handed over the standards that were created for government school teachers throughout the Cayman Islands at a news conference at the Government Administration Building. The new standards define the professionalism, attributes and skills that are expected from educators in our communities. Cayman has a multicultural set of teachers from around the world, and according to the minister, it is important teachers have a clear understanding of the system’s expectations.  

According to a handout from the Ministry of Education, “The Cayman Islands National Professional Standards for Teachers have been agreed after an extensive consultation process involving principals and teachers in government schools and with representation from the private schools association.” 

The standards will be used in all government schools and also serve as a tool for private institutions. They are meant to articulate transparently the national professional standards expected of teachers; set out clearly the professional attributes, knowledge, skills and understanding required of a teacher; guide those recruiting new staff; be used to inform professional development needs; help guide principals and school improvement officers in monitoring the quality of teaching and learning; help teachers self evaluate; help peers provide constructive feedback to colleagues; and help guide teachers in improving the outcomes for children. 

Part of what is expected of teachers under the new code is for educators to be respectful of their differences by developing “an understanding of and respect for Caymanian culture, as well as to show respect and tolerance for differences in race, ethnicity, language, gender, culture and religion.” 

Making a positive contribution to the general life of the schools, making effective use of time and resources, taking part in continuing professional development and having appropriate knowledge and understanding their subjects are just some of the standards teachers will be expected to adhere to. 

“This should be a key feature in any school system and is a very important resource for teachers. Given the wide consultation, we hope it will it will be received,” said Chief Policy Adviser for Education Dr. Jo Wood.  

Ms Wood said the new standards were transparent and articulated for everyone to see. 

In addition to the new standards officials in the Ministry of Education revealed a national database of student performance will come shortly, allowing them to know what the national average is in certain subjects. This will be broken down by school, class and child.