Concern has been raised that the new Teaching Council Bill could exacerbate teacher shortages in the country.

The concern was raised by Dean of the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies at the University of Technology, Professor Shermaine Barrett at this morning’s meeting of the Joint Select Committee on the Jamaica Teaching Council Act.

Professor Barrett noted that the Act might be too rigid in who it allows to act as a teacher, especially given current shortages in some subject areas.

The Bill seeks to establish a governing body for the teaching profession and a licensing and registration regime for all Government-paid teachers.