There has been a marked decline in teacher resignations this year, according to the Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

She confirmed that fewer than 300 teachers sent in resignations between July and August, which she noted is traditionally the peak period for educator departures.

“That is less than last year. So we actually have less resignations in the system,” Minister Morris Dixon disclosed at the official opening of the newly established Hydel Cumberland High School on Monday at the Cumberland campus in Portmore, St. Catherine.

To address existing vacancies, Senator Morris Dixon noted that approximately 1,000 trained teachers who have graduated from teachers’ colleges are available for deployment to schools across the island.

She further highlighted that the Ministry has put protocols in place to facilitate the return of teachers on extended leave to the classroom, should they choose to do so.

The Education Minister cited certain strategies that her ministry has put in place to deal with teacher migration this year, “…I think one of the encouraging things is we have fewer resignations than in previous years.”