Taxpayers will shell out $228,000 for public school teacher licences after the rate was raised to $250 per teacher.

The licence was originally $100 but was increased by the Bermuda Educators Council (BEC).

Each licence lasts two years.

There are currently 912 teachers employed by Government.

A source explained what the licence is and how it works.

"It allows you to teach in Bermuda. It's like a driver's licence. Every profession has to have something which is professional which allows you to apply your trade.

"You have it in most jurisdictions. There's a difference between certification and licensing. You have to be a certified teacher to get a licence. If you don't have a licence you can't teach."

Private school teachers are usually responsible for the fee themselves but principals have pledged to pay the cost.

Saltus Grammar headmaster Ted Staunton said: "We have endeavoured and we have chosen to pay for the teachers because we feel it's professionally appropriate. It's professional dues.

"We think it's appropriate for us to pay for them. I am almost 100 percent positive that all of us are following suit."

One public school teacher said of the rise: "That's a 150 percent increase. They won't tell anybody why. The question that teachers are asking is what do they get for the $250.

"The council does nothing for teachers. If you're going to charge that, provide professional development. I don't think charging $250 for a plastic card is enough. Fortunately Government pays ours.

"In order to get it renewed, you have to demonstrate that you have done professional development. The council doesn't provide any information on it.

"This body is supposed to be like the medical board or the bar council. It's supposed to be educators. The person who is the director was never an educator."

In a statement the BEC said: "By increasing the fee, we are better positioning ourselves to help improve standards through professional growth."

The BEC would not comment on why the rate was raised.