52-58 Woodford Street, Newtown, Port of Spain.

TEACHING SERVICE COMMISSION

The Teaching Service Commission was established in accordance with Section 124 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Members of the Commission are appointed by the President after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in accordance with Section 124 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Teaching Service Commission Secretariat

The Secretariat provides administrative and supporting services to the Teaching Service Commission and is headed by the Director of Personnel Administration and managed by an Executive Director, Human Resource Management. The office of the Senior Human Resource Adviser performs the role of Secretary to the Commission. The Secretariat serves all teachers and officers in primary and secondary schools who are under the remit of the Teaching Service Commission.

Functions of the Commission / Role and Responsibilities

Section 125 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago outlines the functions of the Teaching Service Commission and states:

“Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, power to appoint persons to hold or act in public offices in the Teaching Service established under the Education Act, including power to make appointments on promotion and transfer and to confirm appointments, and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and to enforce standards of conduct on such officers shall vest in the Teaching Service Commission.”

Mission

The mission of the Teaching Service Commission is to ensure a professional Teaching Service, staffed in a timely manner, with the maintenance of a high level of discipline and thus facilitating effectiveness in the school system.

Vision

A modern, adaptive organization embracing professional standards to recruit quality personnel to develop excellence in education.

Regulatory Framework

The Teaching Service Commission is guided by the regulatory framework of the Public Service Commission Regulations as adopted by the Teaching Service Commission, the Education Act, and the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Limitations of the Exercise of Powers and Functions

  • In the exercise of its discretion, the Commission must conform with existing regulations and the rules of natural justice as set out in sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Officers in the Teaching Service have the right of appeal to the Public Service Appeal Board in respect of decisions of the Commission on disciplinary matters (PART II of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago).
  • Officers in the Teaching Service may also apply to the High Court for judicial review of any decision of the Commission.
  • Section 128 provides that the Commission must consult with the relevant Commission before appointing any officer from another Service.

Composition of the Commission

Section 124 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago states:

“There shall be a Teaching Service Commission for Trinidad and Tobago which shall consist of a Chairman and not more than four other members.”

The members of the Commission are appointed by the President, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Current Membership

Mrs. Elizabeth Crouch
Chairman
Dr. Martha C. Des Vignes
Member
Mrs. Claire Brathwaite-Alexander
Member
Mr. Inshan Mohamed
Member
Mrs. Vidyawatee Lalla-Ramsammy
Member

Stakeholders

The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) Secretariat serves and/or communicates with the following stakeholders:

Teaching Service & Education Officials

  • All teachers under the remit of the Teaching Service Commission
  • Officials at the Ministry of Education
  • Division of Education, Skills and Innovation
  • Tobago House of Assembly
  • Denominational Boards
  • School Supervisors

Internal Key Contacts

  • Director of Personnel Administration
  • Deputy Director of Personnel Administration
  • Executive Director, Human Resource Management
  • Service Commissions Department
  • Public Service Commission
  • Judicial and Legal Service Commission

External Key Contacts

  • Selection and Assessment Boards
  • Individuals requesting information from the Commission
  • Entities required to provide information to the Teaching Service Commission

Thought Leadership Series

Address

52-58 Woodford Street, Newtown, Port of Spain.

(868) 623-2991/7

DFL Building, #10 Cipriani Boulevard, Newtown, Port of Spain.

(868) 623-2711

99A Pasea Main Road, Tunapuna 330839.

(868) 612-0062

 41 A Wilson Road, Scarborough, Tobago.

(868) 639-5018/639-4949