Teachers across the island wore red today, in support of one of their colleagues, who is facing a disciplinary hearing, after threatening a student with physical harm.
The female teacher, who is employed at the Pembroke Hall high school in Kingston, had her case hearing start today, after it was postponed last year.
The incident, which was captured on video, and has been widely circulated on social media, depicts the irate teacher, hurling threats at a student.
An investigation into the matter was ordered by minister with responsibility for education, Karl Samuda, who had described the teacher’s behaviour, as unacceptable, stating that it has no place in Jamaica’s schools.
But the Jamaica Teachers’ Association has come out in strong support of the teacher.
While not condoning her behaviour, JTA President Owen Speid said although it is not clear, what led to the outburst of the teacher, several issues now facing educators, could have caused her to react to the student, in the manner that she did.
Mr. Speid says today’s event was a success.
He said in addition to teachers, past students, parents, principals of nearby schools and others came out in support of the teacher.
The JTA President says he is hoping the teacher will be re-instated.
The outcome of the teacher’s hearing is not expected until Monday.