The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union have reached a significant agreement on improving teacher compensation and working conditions, following the signing of a three-year deal.
The announcement was made by President Irfaan Ali, today, via his social platform, who emphasized the government’s commitment to revolutionizing the education sector and ensuring the well-being of teachers.
President Ali stated that under the new agreement, teachers will receive a cumulative 27 percent salary increase over the next three years.
In 2024, teachers will see a 10 percent raise, followed by an eight percent increase in 2025, and a nine percent increase in 2026.
These adjustments reflect the government’s dedication to bettering the financial standing of educators nationwide.
President Ali also highlighted additional conditional increases aimed at enhancing education, particularly in remote areas. The remote area incentive, which was $9,000 in 2023, will now be approximately $23,000—a 156 percent increase—acknowledging the vital role of educators in expanding access to education in hinterland regions.
The agreement also introduces significant allowances for teachers with advanced qualifications. Holders of doctorate degrees will receive an additional $32,000 monthly, while those with master’s degrees will get $22,000. Teachers with a postgraduate diploma or an advanced graduate diploma will receive $7,000 monthly, and those holding a certificate in education or education management will receive an extra $5,000.
For the first time, headteachers of various categories will benefit from a station allowance, and there will be an increase in the clothing allowance.
Teachers nearing retirement will also benefit from duty-free concessions three years before retirement. Additionally, teachers rehired after retirement will be paid at their last salary scale, ensuring continuity in their earnings.
In another key development, the number of scholarships available to teachers will be doubled, adding to those already offered by the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and the University of Guyana.
Teachers will also be compensated for marking School-Based Assessments (SBAs), and non-graduate teachers with more than three years of service will see a 15 percent increase in some cases.
President Ali expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative effort between the government and the union to reach this agreement, reiterating the government’s focus on delivering a world-class education system.
The agreement marks a milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the education sector and support the nation’s educators.
