WILLEMSTAD – With the new school year approaching, teachers’ union Sitek is raising alarms about the worsening teacher shortage on Curaçao. Union president Lio Plantijn points to a lack of young recruits and the government’s failure to implement structural measures to address the crisis.
Plantijn noted that particularly young men are avoiding teaching as a career, while the number of retired teachers returning as substitutes continues to rise.
Few Young Teachers Entering the Profession
Plantijn described it as “alarming” that he rarely sees young people pursuing a career in education today. “Back in 1986, I was part of a group of thirty starting teachers, but numbers like that are hard to find now,” he said. According to him, neither the government nor employers are doing enough to make the profession more attractive.
He suggested that the government should consider targeted recruitment of young people who have excelled in youth organizations or educational programs abroad.
“Why doesn’t the government offer these young people an incentive package if they choose teaching? Think of tax breaks or other benefits, both for the students and their parents,” Plantijn asked.
Retirees Filling the Gap
The shortage has already forced schools to rely on retired teachers as temporary staff. “That is proof enough that there is a shortage. Some secondary school subjects currently have no teacher at all,” Plantijn stressed.
He also criticized the lack of autonomy at the LOFO teacher training institute, which still falls under the University of Curaçao. According to Plantijn, the institute should be independent, with its own structure and a focus dedicated entirely to teacher training.
Lack of Male Teachers
Another concern is the absence of male teachers. Plantijn noted that some primary schools are now staffed exclusively by women. He has urged the Instituto pa Cooperashon Universitario di Kòrsou (ICUC) and the University of Curaçao (UoC) to conduct research into why young men are staying away from teaching.
“Our community must not give the impression that only women can stand in front of the classroom,” he said. He stressed the importance of finding ways to motivate young men to consider teaching careers.
Salaries Still a Sticking Point
Finally, Sitek once again renewed its call for better teacher salaries. Plantijn welcomed a recent statement by the head of Catholic education, who also recognized the need for pay increases.
He recalled the 2016 teachers’ strike, during which unions highlighted the salary gap with police officers.
“Police officers usually have only vocational training but earn nearly double the salary of a teacher with a university degree,” Plantijn pointed out.
The union warns that unless significant measures are taken, the education system will continue to struggle with shortages, inequality, and low morale among teachers.
