The Bermuda Union of Teachers has been accused of mis-characterising details regarding education reform.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education said David Burt and Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, had a confidential conversation with the BUT’s president and general secretary to “discuss the process for stakeholder engagement in matters of education transformation”.

The spokeswoman said: “It is deeply disappointing that details arising from that confidential discussion have been mis-characterised publicly by the BUT.”

The union claimed in a statement on Tuesday that Ms Caesar refused to directly consult with teachers since January 19, which “has contributed to widespread confusion and frustration across the system”.

Staff at Francis Patton Primary School and Dellwood Middle School told parents last month that middle schools would stay in operation and primary schools would revert to offering years PI to P6.

Proposed educational reforms include introducing a two-tier public school system and signature learning programmes and abolishing middle schools.

The BUT statement added: “At a time of significant proposed change, the Minister and her team should be taking every opportunity to meet directly with teachers and other affected groups to clarify intentions, listen to concerns and build trust.

“The lack of consultation, both prior to the release of the proposals and in the weeks following, undermines confidence in the reform process and disregards the professional expertise of teachers.”

The ministry called the allegation of Ms Caesar’s refusal to consult with teachers “inaccurate” and that the minister recognised teachers as “critical stakeholders in Bermuda's education system”.

However, the spokeswoman added: “Engagement must occur within established governance structures and protocols.

“The Minister has appropriately engaged school leaders first, as they are responsible for the management and operations of their respective schools.

“Principals, all of whom are experienced former teachers, are entrusted with representing their school communities professionally and effectively.

“Respecting this structure is not exclusionary, it is consistent with sound leadership and organisational practice.”

The spokeswoman said the BUT was “fully aware” of this engagement process and that Ms Caesar outlined the phased approach during a meeting on Monday.

She explained: “After that meeting, concerns were raised regarding the Union's decision to release a survey containing information derived from confidential discussions before the Ministry had completed its structured engagement process.”

The spokeswoman added that the ministry led “targeted stakeholder meetings” last month to review recommendations from “school leaders most directly impacted by reform and transformation efforts”.

She explained: “Leaders with lived and front line experience operating within the parish primary and middle school model were consulted specifically to assess student transition outcomes, identify any curricular gaps and examine infrastructure or operational challenges affecting the delivery of high-quality education.”

The spokeswoman said the Department of Education, union representatives, parents and other stakeholders were then informed of the recommendations, which principals then communicated within their school communities.

She said: “This approach was intentional, recognising the established relationships and trust that exists between school leadership and their respective communities.”

She added: “To suggest that there was no consultation prior to or following the development of recommendations is incorrect; consultation occurred before recommendations were formulated ― most recently during their consideration and continues as part of the ongoing transformation process.”

The spokeswoman highlighted that those leading the ministry’s education reform have taught at various levels of Bermuda’s public school system and added: “What has occurred is a difference in opinion regarding the order and method of engagement, not a refusal to consult.”

She added: “It is important to note that the premature public disclosure of incomplete discussions disrupted the Ministry's structured engagement plan and contributed significantly to public confusion.

“Since that time, the Ministry has met with multiple stakeholder groups to clarify accurate information, address concerns directly, and ensure transparency moving forward.”

The spokeswoman concluded: “The Ministry remains committed to meaningful engagement with teachers and all stakeholders, while ensuring that established governance processes are respected and that information is shared in a measured and constructive manner.

“The focus remains, as it must, on delivering high-quality teaching and learning experiences for Bermuda's students.”