It's considered the most powerful union in Belize and the Belize National Teachers Union is rallying the troops at it's 34th annual convention in Corozal town.
This year theme looks at continuing education - relevant because there are 2887 primary school teachers nationwide and only 46.4% of them are trained. And while teacher training is a pressing issue, at the opening this morning, national union president Anthony Fuentes talked about pressing current issues facing teachers.
Anthony Fuentes, BNTU President
"There is an urgent need to amalgamate the multi-grade schools, especially in the Toledo district."
"The need to address the issue of discrimination against our female unwed teachers. The issue of political interference especially in our government schools. The development of the creative arts in all of our schools and the need for clear developmental policies and plans by the Ministry of Education irrespective of which party is in government."
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"From pre-school through to university we must remain committed to expanding access, improving quality, and ensuring equity. The child who lives and goes to school in Golden Stream village in Toledo deserves no less of a quality education than the child who attends Grace Primary School in Belize City."
At the end of this morning's event, three teachers were honored with lifetime service awards: including Carlos Castillo and John Pinelo.