Gumbs says digital teacher appraisals planned for public schools in 2027

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs said the Ministry plans to introduce a central digital teacher-appraisal system for St. Maarten’s public schools in 2027. Gumbs made the announcement during Parliament’s deliberations on the draft 2027 national budget.

Gumbs said the system would replace fragmented, largely paper-based evaluations. Classroom observations, evaluation rubrics and walkthrough documentation would be included in the digital process, which she said is intended to make evaluations more consistent and transparent.

The Minister said information from the appraisals would be used to identify teachers who may need support and to develop professional-development and coaching plans. She said the instrument is expected to go through piloting, evaluation and implementation.

Gumbs listed improving access to education and student development, improving learning outcomes, and strengthening compliance with laws, regulations and policy frameworks as strategic priorities for 2027. She also said assessments scheduled for Groups 3, 5 and 7 during 2027 would provide information on learning gaps and student performance.