Summary

• Union Pushback: The Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) is accusing the Ministry of Education of using ‘bullying tactics’ to force teachers to invigilate the upcoming Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA).
• The Trigger Memo: The dispute stems from a February 6 MoE memorandum mandating that Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) teachers serve as SEA monitors or face being marked as “Absent from Duty.”
• Exploitation Concerns: TTUTA argues that SEA supervision is strictly voluntary. The union warns that coercing contract workers—and denying them the traditional compensatory day off—is a violation of their professional rights.

 

By Alicia Chamely

THE Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) says the Ministry of Education (MoE) is using “bullying tactics”  to compel teachers to participate in Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) duties.

TTUTA’s concern stems from a February 6 memorandum sent by MoE Permanent Secretary Claudelle Mc Kellar to the Director of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). The memo stated that all ECCE teachers employed near designated SEA examination centres would be required to serve as monitors.

The memorandum further warned that personnel who do not report for duty at their assigned SEA centres must apply for the day as “Absent from Duty.”

In a press release on Friday, TTUTA reminded the MoE that the supervision of the SEA is voluntary on the part of teachers.

“Teachers cannot and should not be coerced into performing examination-related duties,” the association stated. “Any attempt to compel teachers to participate in these duties would be inconsistent with established practice and the professional rights of teachers.”

The release continued: “TTUTA is also concerned about reports that the Ministry of Education is employing what can reasonably be described as ‘bullying tactics’ to compel Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) teachers to participate in examination-related duties.”

TTUTA pointed out that ECCE teachers are not permanent members of the Teaching Service. Instead, they are employed on contractual arrangements, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

The association also received reports that personnel from the Student Support Services Division—many of whom are also on contract—are similarly being pressured to assist with the administration of the exam.

“Of further concern is that these individuals are expected to perform these duties without being granted the compensatory day that is traditionally provided to teachers who assist with the examination process,” TTUTA noted.

The union called on the MoE to immediately address these issues to “ensure that all personnel are treated with fairness, respect, and in accordance with established norms and agreements.”

TTUTA affirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the MoE to ensure SEA 2026 is “conducted in a manner that safeguards both the interests of students and the rights of educators.”