In a new initiative aimed at improving classroom instruction, teachers at some schools in Guyana will soon be required to clock their attendance using a biometric system. Education Minister Sonia Parag emphasized that this move is not punitive but rather seeks to ensure that students receive consistent education.
The decision follows a visit Parag made to schools at the beginning of the academic term, during which she found that 12 teachers were absent, with only three having approved leave. “It was the second week of term, and children needed to be taught. There was no proper account for where the other teachers were,” she noted, stressing that the effectiveness of schools hinges on the presence of teachers.
The biometric system, currently being piloted in several schools, will log teachers’ arrival and departure times, providing the Ministry of Education with real-time attendance data. Parag shared this information during an interview on the News Room’s Insider program.
She appealed to educators to demonstrate greater accountability and compassion, emphasizing their role as guardians who help shape the future of children. “All I’m asking teachers to do is be present in your classroom and to deliver the curriculum,” Parag affirmed, highlighting that investments in education must directly benefit students.
While the biometric system will track the hours teachers are present, Parag clarified that further explanations will be sought in cases of absence. “The biometrics will only tell us when you came in and when you left,” she explained, adding that understanding the reasons for absence is also important.
Acknowledging some unease among educators regarding the system, Parag reiterated that it should not be seen as a form of punishment. The ministry is simultaneously enhancing engagement with Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs), which she identified as crucial for collaborative issue resolution. “We need better collaboration between the ministry, parents, teachers, and the teachers’ union,” she stated.
Parag also underscored the broader role teachers play in children’s lives beyond academics, calling for an empathetic approach to teaching. “When I commissioned two nursery schools recently, it struck me that this is the first learning environment a child experiences,” she reflected. “That teacher makes the first impression — and that doesn’t come only with academics. It comes with compassion, empathy, and how you treat a child.”
She mentioned her own experiences with teachers who left a lasting impact on her life, describing them as guardians rather than just educators. Additionally, Parag assured that the government plans to recognize teachers’ contributions over time, including through improved remuneration. “In due course, we will honor teachers, including with salary increases,” she concluded, affirming the important societal role of educators.
