“It is time for the Department to prioritize the well-being of our teachers and the quality of education of our students,” the Bermuda Teachers Union said, adding that “our children deserve a classroom staffed, safe and ready to learn.”

Comments from the union follow after CedarBridge Academy has been closed a day earlier this week “due to an unusually high number of teacher and paraeducator absences,” with 59 of CedarBridge’s 77 staff members reporting absences.

In a series of publications on X/Twitter, The union said: “Bermuda schools face significant operational challenges that directly impact the education of our children. These are not isolated incidents; mismanagement is endemic and it is time to shine a light on this problem.

“Reports from the Ministry of Education distort real conditions. Ignoring or downplaying issues like replacement coverage, contract instability, and lack of resources doesn’t make them go away; it makes them worse.

“Why is it almost November and why are Bermuda classrooms still without full-time teachers? Educators work without contracts or remuneration. We need urgent solutions from the DoE to provide students with consistent and qualified teachers.

“Mold and other safety and health issues persist in our schools. Our children and teachers deserve clean, safe spaces to teach and learn. These dangers have no place in Bermudian classrooms.

“Why is it so difficult to get coherent action rather than quick fixes?” It’s time to put people first, not politicians.

“Let’s be clear: when the minister closes a school, it is because of poor management of the ministry. We should have enough substitute teachers to avoid this. There are enough educators on the island, but applicants are often told that “the sublist is full” or given confusing answers.

“Imagine being discouraged from taking sick leave due to administrative pressure. Some teachers come to school sick for their students, often without a lunch break or bathroom break, all due to lack of replacement coverage.

“These staffing issues stem from decisions made without adequate consultation with the Union. It is time for the Ministry to prioritize the well-being of our teachers and the quality of education of our students.

“Policies that disenfranchise teachers and students only widen the cracks in our system. Our children deserve a classroom that is staffed, safe, and ready to learn.

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