The Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) has recently made statements about the Ministry of Education's stakeholder engagement process that do not accurately reflect the discussions held to date.

The Minister of Education and the Acting Permanent Secretary met with the BUT Executive on Tuesday, January 20, to present the recommendations developed by the principals of the parish primary and middle schools. This meeting was among the first held with key stakeholders of which there were 24 in total.

Most recently a confidential conversation was held between the President & General Secretary of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Premier and the Minister of Education to discuss the process for stakeholder engagement in matters of education transformation. It is deeply disappointing that details arising from that confidential discussion have been mischaracterised publicly by the BUT.

The assertion that the Minister of Education has refused to consult with teachers is inaccurate. The Minister values and respects the professional expertise of teachers and recognises them as critical stakeholders in Bermuda's education system. However, engagement must occur within established governance structures and protocols. The Minister has appropriately engaged school leaders first, as they are responsible for the management and operations of their respective schools. Principals , all of whom are experienced former teachers, are entrusted with representing their school communities professionally and effectively. Respecting this structure is not exclusionary; it is consistent with sound leadership and organisational practice.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers was fully aware of the Ministry's engagement process and the Minister's intentions. During the Bermuda Trade Union Congress meeting on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., the Minister clearly articulated the planned phased approach to stakeholder consultation, as has been the established custom and practice. After that meeting, concerns were raised regarding the Union's decision to release a survey containing information derived from confidential discussions before the Ministry had completed its structured engagement process.

Throughout the month of January, the Ministry of Education conducted targeted stakeholder meetings to review recommendations submitted by school leaders most directly impacted by reform and transformation efforts. Leaders with lived and front line experience operating within the parish primary and Middle school model were consulted specifically to assess student transition outcomes, identify any curricular gaps, and examine infrastructure or operational challenges affecting the delivery of high-quality education.

School boards, principals, union representatives, the Department of Education, parents, teachers, PTA executives and other relevant stakeholders were apprised of the recommendations. Feedback was actively sought, questions were answered, and concerns were documented. Principals were responsible for communicating with teachers and parents within their school communities to ensure clarity and context. This approach was intentional, recognising the established relationships and trust that exists between school leadership and their respective communities.

To suggest that there was no consultation prior to or following the development of recommendations is incorrect. Consultation occurred before recommendations were formulated, most recently during their consideration, and continues as part of the ongoing transformation process. Education transformation in Bermuda has always been informed by educators. The framework itself was developed by a team of teachers, and the Ministry team currently leading this work is comprised of experienced educators who have taught at multiple levels within the Bermuda Public School System. What has occurred is a difference in opinion regarding the order and method of engagement — not a refusal to consult.

It is important to note that the premature public disclosure of incomplete discussions disrupted the Ministry's structured engagement plan and contributed significantly to public confusion. Since that time, the Ministry has met with multiple stakeholder groups to clarify accurate information, address concerns directly, and ensure transparency moving forward.

Education transformation requires collaboration, professionalism, and responsible communication. The Ministry remains committed to meaningful engagement with teachers and all stakeholders, while ensuring that established governance processes are respected and that information is shared in a measured and constructive manner.

The focus remains, as it must, on delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences for Bermuda's students.