Are Teachers Leaving Belize for Better Pay in the U.S.?

Unpacking the Rising Crisis in Belize’s Education System

The recruitment of Caribbean teachers is a direct response to the severe teacher shortage in the U.S. In August 2022, the Washington Post reported that “the teacher shortage has hit crisis levels—and school officials everywhere are scrambling to ensure that as students return to classrooms someone is there to educate them.”

The new school year began a few months ago, but many schools across Belize were also confronted with a teacher shortage crisis. Reports indicated that numerous teachers had resigned from their positions, leaving classrooms full of students but lacking educators to guide them.

In August 2024, Herman Ramirez, who is a member of the national executive of the Catholic Primary Schools Principals Association and principal of Our Lady of Lourdes RC School in Maskall Village, told News 5 that “We had two teachers that in the last minute they sent out, you know, information that they’re actually requesting to be released, requesting to be transferred, requesting to resign, and that sort of thing. And normally this would happen, especially in the rural areas, where you have teachers commuting to teach.”

Nadia Caliz, President of the Belize National Teachers Union, told News Five that many teachers are leaving the profession in favour of better-paying jobs elsewhere. She said, “We have different countries that have different teacher  programmes. The salaries are attractive, and our teachers have decided that they want to explore those options.”

In September, Minister of Education Francis Fonseca cited the shortage as both a lack of available “qualified” educators and difficulties with license renewals. However, some educators have voiced dissatisfactions with the MOE’s required 120 CPD (Continuous Professional Development) hours for license renewal. The situation worsened when 130 teachers reported working without pay. This prompted the Ministry of Education to acknowledge yet another issue: an outdated salary processing system causing delays in teachers’ compensation.

Caliz explained that teachers are required to complete 120 hours of CPD to renew their teaching licenses. While some teachers have met this requirement, many are facing delays in receiving their certificates, which confirm their CPD hours. Caliz noted that teachers apply for these certificates through the Teacher Learning Institute (TLI) but are still waiting for the documentation. Without it, they cannot obtain a new license.

When asked where the certificates come from, Caliz clarified that they are issued by the Ministry of Education. Addressing concerns about potential delays caused by last-minute submissions, Caliz acknowledged that while a few teachers may wait until the last minute, the majority do not fall into that category, and the issue affects a broader range of educators.

Minister Fonseca recognised these compounding challenges and the allure of better salaries abroad, stating, “It is a serious issue.” He noted that developed nations actively recruit English-speaking Caribbean teachers who “can more effectively transition into the North American education system.” Fonseca pointed out that while many teachers do not wish to leave their homes and families, the attractive packages offered abroad can be hard to resist.

These developments have raised concerning questions about the future of education in Belize. Are the required 120 CPD hours a significant factor driving educators away from the profession? How do delayed salaries and limited resources contribute to this crisis? Are months of unpaid work worsening the situation? And do these challenges reflect a broader trend of teachers seeking better opportunities abroad?

Local Struggles: Why Teachers Are Leaving

One of the primary motivators for Belizean teachers to move to the U.S. is the significant pay difference. In Belize, teachers often face low salaries and limited financial growth. The U.S. offers competitive wages that can provide a more comfortable lifestyle and financial stability. Programmes like Participate Learning facilitate this transition by offering salaries equivalent to those of U.S. educators, along with additional benefits such as medical coverage and airfare.

During the Belize National Curriculum Framework in 2022, Education Minister Francis Fonseca addressed the sharp salary disparity between recruiting countries like the U.S. and Caribbean nations like Belize. He said, “We can’t compete with the salaries that they’re offering.”

 

The earnings of teachers in Belize are reflected in the new salary scales that were implemented on April 1, 2017. According to it, entry-level teachers in government and government-aided schools with a high school diploma start at pay scale level 5, earning an estimated annual salary of $13,152 Belize dollars. Meanwhile, those holding a bachelor’s degree begin at pay scale level 16, with an approximate annual salary of $30,171. These figures are expected to increase over time through annual increments, and higher wages can reflect any additional educational qualifications.

The Participate Learning programme offers teachers salaries between $41,000 and $55,000 USD, along with subsidised medical coverage, airfare, and visa application support.

“Sometimes the packages become so attractive that it becomes difficult for them to resist,” Fonseca admitted.

In response to growing concerns over teacher salaries in Belize, the Ministry of Education’s Chief Executive Officer, Dian Maheia, acknowledged the frustrations of educators but outlined the ministry’s limitations. “While we hear and appreciate every teacher who feels that he or she is underpaid, the reality is that this ministry is not in a position to say, Oh, you know, we can do anything to make teachers’ salaries competitive right now compared to anybody else,” she said. She noted that when comparing salaries, “Belize’s teachers are not poorly, not so badly off.”

However, the journey to the U.S. is not solely driven by financial concerns; it is often a deeply personal decision. A Belizean teacher in the Participate Learning programme shared, “Teaching in Belize was both demanding and time-consuming. I invested a significant amount of my own money into classroom materials and essential resources. I also missed out a lot on family time, as I spent countless hours planning, grading, and preparing activities outside of school hours.”

When asked about the challenges within the education system that motivated her to leave Belize, she said, “Several challenges pushed me to make the decision. The salary was insufficient to cover my monthly expenses, and the lack of resources made teaching extremely overwhelming.” She added that working abroad in the Participate Learning programme has allowed her to meet her financial obligations back home while still living very comfortably in the U.S.

She added, “Higher salaries, benefits, and more manageable CPD requirements were significant factors in my decision to explore teaching abroad.” She described the salary in Belize as “insufficient” and the lack of resources “made teaching extremely overwhelming.”

Connecting Belizean Teachers to Opportunities Abroad

The concept of the “American Dream” has long been a beacon of hope for many around the world. For people from Central America like Belize, the United States represents a land of opportunity, where hard work can lead to a better life. According to the U.S. Department of State, “the largest Belizean community outside Belize, estimated at 70,000 to upwards of 100,000, resides in the United States.”

In recent years, international teacher recruitment has surged, with programmes like Participate Learning, which connects Belizean educators with educational institutions in the U.S. This trend is driven by the promise of better pay, professional growth, and improved living conditions.

Founded by former educators, this initiative offers teachers competitive salaries, benefits, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture for a period of three to five years. The programme also welcomes educators to bring their spouses and children along for the journey.

Ronald Ramírez, International Recruitment Manager, states, “Teaching in the USA is a transformative experience.” He emphasised that as a Participate Learning Ambassador Teacher, educators not only teach but also play a crucial role in fostering global, cultural, and language connections within schools. “You’ll embark on a journey of cultural exchange, sharing your traditions while embracing U.S. culture,” he adds.

Belizean teacher Alex Cruz, a participant of the programme, shared his experience five years ago: “This is a great opportunity to showcase my country, my culture… Professionally speaking, I want to learn from the education system in the U.S. and apply those strategies back home.”

Additionally, participants can even pursue master’s degrees while teaching to further enhance their professional journey.

For some educators, the requirement to complete 120 hours of CPD hours is “out of order and unconstitutional.” Veteran teacher Otilio Munoz, who recently resigned after 27 years, stated, “It’s not fair for me to lose 27 years of my life to my country. I felt that I had to resign.” Munos added, “I will say it over again: having those CPD’s attached as a must for renewal of a teacher’s license is out of order and unconstitutional! As a Belizean, I have the right to work!”

Although the Ministry clarified that no licenses have been rejected due to incomplete CPD hours, Munoz pointed out the severe consequences for teachers on hold: “While on hold, the teacher will not be able to get a salary nor be in a classroom teaching. Which teacher can afford that?” He added that for this reason, “many teachers are leaving Belize to go to the U.S. to teach or to Taiwan to teach English.” 

In contrast, according to a Belizean teacher currently enrolled in the Participate Learning programme, CPD hours are part of the U.S. education system requirements but “are tailored to our specific needs. The focus is very practical and supportive.”

From Belize to the U.S.: A Transformative Experience

While economic factors are significant, the chance for professional growth cannot be overlooked. Belizean teachers can gain exposure to different educational systems, teaching methodologies, and classroom technologies. This experience not only enhances their skills but also broadens their perspectives on education.

Recounting his experience, Belizean teacher Alex Cruz said, “We visited a school; it was amazing compared to my country. The infrastructure is very high, and the resources that the schools have here are amazing. I would strongly recommend Belizean teachers to join the programme. It will help you grow professionally, share your skills, as well as acquire new skills.”

Another Belizean teacher said, “It has been a fantastic opportunity for growth. The exposure to new methods and teaching strategies has been invaluable.” She also praised the tailored professional development in the U.S., saying, “Yes, we do have to engage in CPD hours, but they are tailored to our specific needs. The focus is very practical and supportive.” The teacher noted the integration of technology as an exciting experience as it offers innovative ways to engage with students, enhancing the overall learning experience. She added, “In terms of professional development, it has been tremendous.”

 

Silver Lining: Bringing Skills Back to Belize

“The truth is that in terms of direct competition, there is very little that we can do if your only motivation is an increased salary,” said Minister Fonseca while acknowledging the difficulties of competing with the attractive salaries offered abroad.

Meanwhile, CEO Maheia explained that the choice to explore career opportunities abroad comes down mainly to a personal decision. “The reality at the end of the day is that the decision if a teacher chooses to explore career opportunities in another country is a personal decision, and I am not sure if there is anything that a government or Ministry of Education can do to change that.”

Despite the current struggles, teachers in programmes like Participate Learning are preparing to bring valuable skills and insights back to Belize. One educator shared, “I plan to return to Belize, and the experiences I’m gaining here will only make me a better educator.” The commitment of these educators to return home and share their newfound insights offers a promising outlook for Belize’s educational future.

Participate Learning not only provides a pathway for Belizean teachers to secure better salaries and professional development opportunities but also facilitates cultural exchanges that enrich both the educators and their students. As part of the programme, teachers are required to return to Belize to work and share what they’ve learnt.

 

 

by Benita Kemé-Palacio, Digital Content Creator

This article was updated at 5:35 local time to reflect the New Pay Scales for teachers effective April 1, 2017.