Aruba is taking steps to strengthen its education sector with active teacher participation. Parliamentarian Otami Thomasia, as President of the Standing Committee on Education, recently held a meeting with representatives from SIMAR. The session aimed to gather insights and recommendations from teachers and education professionals on how Parliament can support and improve the education system.
During the discussion, key issues were addressed, including teacher workload, shortage of specialized staff, growing social and emotional needs of students, professional development, teacher wellbeing, and communication between stakeholders. The meeting highlighted the need for a stronger support system for both educators and students.
Thomasia emphasized that reforms must involve the professionals responsible for daily teaching. Teachers are often the first to identify student challenges, but the limited availability of psychologists, special educators, and other specialists hinders effective support.
The meeting also referred to the document “Visie Versterking Zorgstructuur Onderwijs Aruba,” which outlines many of the concerns raised by educators. Topics such as workload, staff shortages, teacher wellbeing, professional development, and quality support structures are highlighted. Thomasia invited teachers, administrators, and education professionals to review the document as a foundation for future discussions on Aruba’s education system.
The next report will present the Parliamentarian’s conclusions and vision based on this consultation with the teachers’ union.
