All public schools are undergoing teacher transfers this summer, the Education Ministry announced yesterday.Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said changes are being made following the conclusion of tough consultation with the Bermuda Union of Teachers.Thursday was the final date by which permanent staff must be told they are being transferred according to the BUT’s collective bargaining agreement, Dame Jennifer told a press conference.When asked about the likely reaction of parents, Ministry officials stressed the moves were being made to improve the education system.Primary school parents have recently protested proposals to switch principals from a number of schools, claiming they had been left out of the decision-making process.Yesterday, Dame Jennifer said parents had not been consulted in the newly announced transfers, but indicated that was not usual as the moves were negotiated through the BUT.“The changes that are taking place in Education are designed to re-professionalise the landscape of teaching and learning in the classroom by ensuring that teachers have the support of job-embedded professional development to improve the quality of teaching for better student outcomes,” said the Minister.“These changes are the product of time, effort and consultation; with the Bermuda Union of Teachers and the Association of School Principals.“Our unions continue to drive a hard bargain and in many cases compromises were struck.“The changes that will take place for the 2012/2013 school year are designed to support and develop teacher leaders.“The job description for deputy principals was rewritten to enhance instructional leadership and, following a recruitment exercise, most schools will have new deputy principals who will form part of the shared leadership at each school.”She said the Department would introduce coaching positions at primary and middle schools, while mentor teachers would be given new duties such as working with developing teachers and schools in need of support.