A union has thrown its weight between an uncertified teacher who has been told he can no longer work at two schools.

Television and radio news have reported that parents were angry after the popular music teacher, a Bermudian who has not been named, was told he would be replaced by a certified teacher from abroad.

Teachers without certification who are employed in the Island?s public schools system have three years from starting their employment to get the necessary qualifications.

Mike Charles, general secretary of the Bermuda Union of Teachers, said the teacher had been in the system for a while and had made attempts to get certified.

He said: ?It?s through lack of communication or misinformation that some of the courses he took did not meet the standard for certification. We have met with him and given him some advice. At this point now I think we are trying to see if the Ministry (of Education) would allow him to continue working while he pursues his certification. We are hoping that they haven?t decided yet.?

Mr. Charles added: ?Evidently he is very well liked and he?s doing a good job. He is a black male and the Ministry wants more of those in our schools.?