Aruba’s Minister of Education, Gerlien Croes, recently stated in an interview with Diario that her ministry continues to receive multiple requests for teacher dispensations. She explained that this system was already in place during the previous administration and will remain as a temporary solution.
The dispensation allows teachers who have reached retirement age to continue teaching until age 67, provided they remain in teaching roles and not in administrative or other functions. This system helps address the current teacher shortage, particularly in specialized subjects where there is a lack of qualified educators.
Minister Croes emphasized that, together with the Minister of Economy, Geoffrey Wever, they are analyzing fiscal measures to reduce the tax burden on pensioners who continue working. At the same time, the ministry is preparing incentive packages to encourage students, especially those studying education abroad, to return and work in Aruba.
The minister noted that the teacher shortage is not unique to Aruba but a worldwide challenge, with the Netherlands also facing a significant crisis. Competing with neighboring islands like Bonaire and the Netherlands adds to Aruba’s difficulty in solving the issue.
Currently, there are individuals without formal pedagogical training but with the necessary knowledge who are teaching without official certification. Without the approval of dispensations, there would not be enough teachers to fill existing gaps.
“This is a concerning development, but it is not a challenge faced by Aruba alone. It is a global issue, and we must navigate carefully to find sustainable solutions for our country,” Minister Gerlien Croes stated.
Photo Credits: https://diario.aw/categories/noticia/general/escasez-di-docente-ta-un-reto-mundial-y-no-solamente-na-aruba
