Teachers and the Ministry of Education are encouraging the public to look at the positive things happening in the system instead of dwelling on the negative.

At a press conference yesterday, President of the Bermuda Union of Teachers Keisha Douglas said teachers have been faced with many new challenges in dealing with students.

"Teachers are swayed but not disheartened by reports in the public and most recently by Senator Marc Bean.

"Reports of poor performance would demonstrate a lack of knowledge of what is taking place in our schools, our classrooms and the community at large.

"Be it known that teachers are hard-working and dedicated to improving the lives of Bermuda's children."

Ms Douglas said challenges include the recent gun violence on the Island, disrespect from students, lack of support from some parents, and more.

She said regardless, there are "great things" happening in the schools every day.

"As a community we must make a cultural swift as to how we approach education and what we expect from our students if continued progress is to be made.

"With the present state of the economy, education is the only key to securing future employment. We are committed to rising above the blame game and moving forward with the mission, quality education for all."

Meanwhile, Education Minister El James cited the Blueprint for Reform on Education, the newly raised school leaving age and the implementation of the Cambridge Curriculum as evidence that the Ministry is working hard.

He said: "I want to emphasise that educational reform is a process, one of changing both actions and mindsets to produce the desired result.

"The public should remain assured that while structural and philosophical changes are going on, we are constantly working to ensure that learning does take place.

"Public opinion about education be vary. Depending on who you are talking to, we are either doing too much or not enough. That is why we have committed to ensuring that our students, your children are the centre of everything we do.

"We must never lose sight of the fact that no matter what we do, we must do what is in the best interest of our children."