The Ministry of Education has responded to reports that some schools called parents on Tuesday to collect their children due to a lack of supervision in classrooms.
The Ministry noted that only 1% of Primary and Secondary schools experienced early dismissals on January 27th.
Minister of Education Dr. Michael Dowlath commended the teachers who reported for duty, noting that their actions showed a sense of responsibility, duty of care, and commitment to student success.
The Ministry called for all teachers to report for duty and ensure all schools remain open and fully operational, especially during this critical period in the academic calendar.
TTT News understands that a number of schools reported a low teacher turnout on Tuesday, forcing a few to send students home.
In Tobago, the Division of Education Skills and Innovation authorised early dismissal of some schools due to low teacher turnout. In Trinidad, parents were seen gathered at the gates of some schools as they sought more information.
Speaking on ‘The Flagship With Siewdath Persad & Fitzdavid Samuel’ on Talk City 91.1FM, Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) President Crystal Ashe said at no time did TTUTA advocate for industrial action.
“Everybody has a breaking point, and it is quite possible that this breaking point may have caused our membership and our teachers to become ill.”