From left: Dr Leah Garner-O’ Neale, Chairman of the Board of Management at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College; Principal, Barbara Parris and Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones – conversing on the side-lines of the orientation ceremony for teachers starting training programmes.
Teachers awaiting appointment to the Government service are likely to have their hopes dashed if they remain untrained.
“Those who don’t go for training, don’t expect any appointment. I am serious,” stressed Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ronald Jones.
Yesterday, he sent this warning as he addressed Erdiston Teachers’ Training College orientation ceremony for teachers commencing the Bachelor of Education (Primary) Programme, Diploma in Education (Primary & Secondary), Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Vocational Teachers’ Training Programme in Adult Education.
According to him, over 100 teachers will soon receive their appointments, adding to the 141 who recently received theirs. However, Jones, a former educator is adamant that teacher training is fundamental.
“There are a few persons in our system who believe that because they have a degree, an academic qualification – that they shouldn’t be trained. Then I believe they should not be in our classrooms,” he indicated.
“I encourage them to get up to Erdiston and don’t let us have to send them a note”.
Principal at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, Barbara Parris shared with the Education Minister that she supports training for persons before entering the teaching service.
She also welcomed the 229 entrants to Erdiston, expressing “By your actions, you have indicated that you are aware that a teacher is a learner. I encourage you to continue your pursuit for knowledge after you have completed this course of study”.
“Also, remember that the qualifications you attain here, do not restrict you to working in Barbados. I say that so that you can understand that you can compete in the world market with your qualifications”.
Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr. Leah Garner-O’ Neale said that teachers must be continuous lifelong learners.
“It means that you must be knowledgeable not just in your content area, but in communication and critical thinking. You must be skilled – skilled in classroom management, technology integration, but most importantly in interpersonal skills as well. Students don’t just learn what you tell them, they learn from what you do. So, you must have reflective wisdom, you must be culturally aware and accepting of the diversities you will find in your classroom.”
Pointing out that the journey at Erdiston will not be easy, she added, “However, at the end of this journey you will be a better teacher. Not only will you be a better teacher, but you will be a better you and most of all – you will be Erdiston trained.”