The Bermuda Educators Council (BEC) is sticking to a requirement that teachers have 40 professional development (PD) hours if they want their licence renewed.

Government yesterday refused to comment on its staffing plans should schools be impacted when classes resume in the next two weeks.

The BEC announced earlier this month that persons without the required hours by August 31 wouldn't have their licences renewed — teachers in the public and private school system are affected.

Bermuda Union of Teachers (BUT) general secretary Mike Charles said he had been optimistic the regulation might be changed.

"They're still sticking to their 40 hours," he said following a meeting with BEC. "It's exorbitant.

"We will continue to try to sort this out, but they make the rules and we have to try to follow them."

BEC has said more 75 percent of teachers have met or exceeded its 40-hour requirement.

Mr. Charles said he did not know how many teachers had been caught out, but he had received many complaints.

BEC has said its regulations help keep Bermuda's teachers on the cutting edge, thereby improving the education students receive.

Bermuda Autism Support and Education (BASE) held a workshop this week which enabled participating teachers to gain five PD hours.

More than 40 teachers took part BASE plans to hold a second workshop on September 23.

"The training offered educators practical strategies and tools to work with individuals on the autism spectrum," autism consultant Susannah Cole said.

"Several participants noted that the training should be mandatory for all educators because it highlighted the specific needs of students on the autism spectrum."

• The September 23 workshop will take place in the T.N. Tatem Middle School auditorium between 8.30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

For more information contact Ms Cole on 534-0306 or e-mail scoleconsult@gmail.com.