The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL), has expressed her optimism that within the next 5 to 10 years, the teaching force in the Virgin Islands will be localised. Photo: GIS

During a press conference to mark the start of Education Month, Minister Honourable Sharie B. de Castro responded to a question from the media. She emphasised that, with the support of the Minister of Finance and the entire government, teachers' salaries have become quite competitive. Photo: Internet Source

She based this belief on the increasing interest Virgin Islanders have been showing in the teaching profession recently.

'You will see a localised teaching force'

During a press conference to mark the start of Education Month on Monday, March 2, 2026, Minister de Castro responded to a question from the media. She emphasised that, with the support of the Minister of Finance and the entire government, teachers' salaries have become quite competitive.

"Thankfully, due to the support of the Minister of Finance and the entire government, teachers' salaries are amazing, and so they currently stand top in the region, even higher than the US Virgin Islands. So we have seen an increased interest in the profession, persons coming in from other professions, but we've also seen young people who have put up their hands and said, 'I want to get into teaching'. So, within the next 5 to 10 years, I believe you will see a localised teaching force."

More educated teaching workforce 

Minister de Castro emphasised the government's commitment to developing a more advanced and educated teaching workforce in the Virgin Islands. 

She referenced the partnership between the government and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), which aims to establish a bachelor's degree programme in education to help create a more localised teaching force.

"What is most important is that they would have been built through an intentional and strategic partnership with HLSCC, where we're purpose-building our own education bachelor's programme to supply our schools. So our context, our culture, and our collaboration are what will drive the instructional quality in our schools," Minister de Castro added.