The T&T Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) says it is prepared to take legal action against the Ministry of Education if it goes through with a plan to transfer 109 primary school teachers to the recently launched Special Needs Programme.
At a press conference at TTUTA’s Southern Main Road, Curepe, head office yesterday, president Davanand Sinanan said with school due to reopen next week the teachers had only recently received letters from the ministry notifying them of their transfers.
He said the teachers were notified that they would be transferred to the Student Support Services Division with effect from April 13 this year.
Sinanan said not only was the TTUTA not consulted, but even principals of the schools involved were in the dark.
He said the teachers and various schools would be affected by the transfer at a critical time in the school term.
“We want it stopped and it is illegal. The union reserves the right to be consulted and there must be consultation and agreement. TTUTA is prepared to go to court for redress and we already spoke with our attorneys,” he said.
Sinanan said the teachers never asked to be transferred to the programme, which caters to the needs of children with learning disabilities.
“We will be advising the teachers not to go anywhere and stay in their respective schools. It is illegal and several avenues are available to us in terms of legal advice,” he said.
Sinanan said neither the ministry nor Cabinet had the right to transfer anyone. The only body capable of doing this, he said, was the Teaching Service Commission.
“We are aghast, disturbed, annoyed and all this was made without consultation. We made contact with the acting permanent secretary who says she is in the dark as well,” he said.
However, in a press release yesterday, the Education Ministry said it was seeking to address the needs of children with special education needs.
“This is aimed at strengthening the needs of the education system and its capacity to provide meaningful opportunities and supportive infrastructure for lifelong learning and development of our citizens.”
The ministry said it recognised the need to bolster its resources by expanding the current cadre of special educators, adding many of the primary school teachers held qualifications with specialisations in special needs.
“Teachers who have met and exceeded the required criteria will be invited to attend an orientation session wherein the terms of re-assignment and other matters will be discussed,” it said.
The ministry said discussions would also take place with all stakeholders, such as the denominational boards, TTUTA and principals’ associations to ensure a seamless transition.