The education system in Jamaica is undergoing a major transformation with teachers now facing registration and licensure requirements. In Trinidad, the teachers union is the only real provider of professional development.

NYSUT leaders learned this and more about the texture of education in islands from a delegation of Caribbean education union leaders at NYSUT headquarters in early July.

The Caribbean educators, members of the Jamaica Teachers' Association and the Trinidad & Tobago Unified Teachers' Association, learned about NYSUT's structure and member services in hopes to replicate some aspects in their own countries.

"There seems to be a lot of time and resources spent on educating your members on a large range of issues," noted Davenand Sinanan, a science teacher and general counsel for the Trinidad & Tobago UTA.

The educators also met with NYSUT members, curriculum writers and school administrators in a round-table discussion on best practices, standards, professional development and addressing the achievement gap. The latter is attributed mainly to class in Jamaica, the leaders noted.

Juno Gayle and Garfield Higgins, both of the Jamaica TA, also sought advice in countering negative press teacher unions receive, especialy when it comes to contract negotiations, salaries and unfit educators.

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira encouraged the activists to remain vigilant and visible.

After the NYSUT visit, the Caribbean educators moved on to the American Federation of Teachers QuEst Conference in Washington, D.C.