Tweet
Teachers making a difference
By THE BUREAU OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS
Monday, May 03, 2010
IN observance of the Inter-American Year of Women, the Bureau of Women's Affairs salutes all teachers on Teachers' Day, which will be observed on Wednesday. Below we highlight two outstanding educators.
Margaret Campbell
Campbell has a passion for assisting with the development of Jamaican youth through education. This propelled her to leave a job as a computer systems analyst to teach Mathematics at Ardenne High School. After two years she was asked to head the Math Department and after doing that for three years she moved on to lecture in Mathematics Education at UWI. After two years there she was encouraged to apply for the position of principal at St George's College and after much prayer and thought, she determined that it was the call of God.
Campbell believes that her selection at George's synchronises with the motto 'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam...for the greater glory of God', and she pledges that she will, "live out this vocation for as long as He calls me to it".
There are some gender concerns that have impacted on her work at St George's College. Campbell did not have a smooth transition as the first female headmistress as her presence represented a challenge to the status quo. Her selection as first female principal sparked initial rejection by many students, parents, teachers, old boys, as well as some members of the general public. On the positive side, however, there were many people who were very supportive of this paradigm shift. Campbell experienced "an unexpected plus" in that the students were very easily accepting of the change, as the majority of them were being raised by mothers and had only female principals at the primary school level.
Some of the best practices she shared are that over the past six years, four of which are under her leadership, George's has seen significant improvements in discipline, academics, sports and a focus on spiritual development. The school has won the coveted Manning Cup and Oliver Shield in football twice.
"Things have changed dramatically as the support from the old boys, parents and friends of the college has grown and has been invaluable," she said. As a result, the school has witnessed significant improvement in the campus infrastructure. Overall, Campbell believes George's is a more positive place that is continuing on the path to excellence.
Campbell said the greatest challenge she experienced was that at the beginning of her tenure, there was resistance to change and a lack of trust by many of the stakeholders. There were also many who questioned her competence.
"The challenging stereotypes were in themselves a challenge," she said. She recalls being strong in the face of opposition because of the importance of the task and her understanding that this was a vocation and a calling. Campbell's advice to persons who are interested in pursuing a career in education is that they must love children. She regards this as essential to the profession.
Muriel Barton
Muriel Barton is a model teacher who is flexible, has an endearing personality and is multi-faceted. Despite her dexterity in academic instruction, she regards herself as an introvert who relates well with persons at all levels. Barton began her teaching career in 1969 as a pre-trained teacher and subsequently pursued teacher training at Mico Teachers' College. A graduate of UWI, Barton has moved up the ranks in the teaching profession having served as class teacher, grade co-ordinator, senior teacher and acting principal. Barton is currently vice-principal at Hope Valley Experimental School, a position she has held for the past 10 years.
Barton's introduction to teaching was catalysed by the mentorship of two teachers whose outstanding qualities have made an indelible mark during her formative years. As a student, she was impressed by the humane characteristics and personality of teacher Ms Burrel, whom she describes as being interested in the optimal development of every child. Barton also lauds the influence of Mr Lawrence, principal and teacher, who knew the names and pertinent details of every student in the school.
Barton has successfully prepared students for participation in extra-curricular activities such as the Inter-Schools Prep/Primary Quiz Competition, 4H Clubs, and art and craft competitions. She also coached students to participate in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival of Arts Competition in music and poetry.
With regard to the impact of gender on educational achievement, Barton has observed that girls, on average, tend to excel more than boys in the same age cohort. She recalls only two classes where boys achieved first-place ranking. Barton said that in order to improve the competency levels of the boys under her tutelage, she has become more accommodating towards them. She also assigns adult males to mentor boys who are experiencing learning difficulties. In sharing her experience with one such student who had been mentored, Barton stated that she was ecstatic to discover that in addition to gaining self-esteem, his academic performance improved considerably resulting in subsequent success in final exams.
A motivator, with a passion for outstanding achievement, she has inspired her students to strive for excellence in all areas.
Barton advises persons who wish to pursue a career in teaching to value the altruistic benefits and avoid being driven by the desire for financial gains. She regards children as a product of their community, to the extent that they mirror the ideologies of the society as a part of the global village. A committed Christian, Barton places a high value on family and lauds the support she receives from her husband and two children as well as the numerous members of her extended family.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magaz...erence_7566092
------------
If it was posted before, please forgive me!
By THE BUREAU OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS
Monday, May 03, 2010
IN observance of the Inter-American Year of Women, the Bureau of Women's Affairs salutes all teachers on Teachers' Day, which will be observed on Wednesday. Below we highlight two outstanding educators.
Margaret Campbell
Campbell has a passion for assisting with the development of Jamaican youth through education. This propelled her to leave a job as a computer systems analyst to teach Mathematics at Ardenne High School. After two years she was asked to head the Math Department and after doing that for three years she moved on to lecture in Mathematics Education at UWI. After two years there she was encouraged to apply for the position of principal at St George's College and after much prayer and thought, she determined that it was the call of God.
Campbell believes that her selection at George's synchronises with the motto 'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam...for the greater glory of God', and she pledges that she will, "live out this vocation for as long as He calls me to it".
There are some gender concerns that have impacted on her work at St George's College. Campbell did not have a smooth transition as the first female headmistress as her presence represented a challenge to the status quo. Her selection as first female principal sparked initial rejection by many students, parents, teachers, old boys, as well as some members of the general public. On the positive side, however, there were many people who were very supportive of this paradigm shift. Campbell experienced "an unexpected plus" in that the students were very easily accepting of the change, as the majority of them were being raised by mothers and had only female principals at the primary school level.
Some of the best practices she shared are that over the past six years, four of which are under her leadership, George's has seen significant improvements in discipline, academics, sports and a focus on spiritual development. The school has won the coveted Manning Cup and Oliver Shield in football twice.
"Things have changed dramatically as the support from the old boys, parents and friends of the college has grown and has been invaluable," she said. As a result, the school has witnessed significant improvement in the campus infrastructure. Overall, Campbell believes George's is a more positive place that is continuing on the path to excellence.
Campbell said the greatest challenge she experienced was that at the beginning of her tenure, there was resistance to change and a lack of trust by many of the stakeholders. There were also many who questioned her competence.
"The challenging stereotypes were in themselves a challenge," she said. She recalls being strong in the face of opposition because of the importance of the task and her understanding that this was a vocation and a calling. Campbell's advice to persons who are interested in pursuing a career in education is that they must love children. She regards this as essential to the profession.
Muriel Barton
Muriel Barton is a model teacher who is flexible, has an endearing personality and is multi-faceted. Despite her dexterity in academic instruction, she regards herself as an introvert who relates well with persons at all levels. Barton began her teaching career in 1969 as a pre-trained teacher and subsequently pursued teacher training at Mico Teachers' College. A graduate of UWI, Barton has moved up the ranks in the teaching profession having served as class teacher, grade co-ordinator, senior teacher and acting principal. Barton is currently vice-principal at Hope Valley Experimental School, a position she has held for the past 10 years.
Barton's introduction to teaching was catalysed by the mentorship of two teachers whose outstanding qualities have made an indelible mark during her formative years. As a student, she was impressed by the humane characteristics and personality of teacher Ms Burrel, whom she describes as being interested in the optimal development of every child. Barton also lauds the influence of Mr Lawrence, principal and teacher, who knew the names and pertinent details of every student in the school.
Barton has successfully prepared students for participation in extra-curricular activities such as the Inter-Schools Prep/Primary Quiz Competition, 4H Clubs, and art and craft competitions. She also coached students to participate in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival of Arts Competition in music and poetry.
With regard to the impact of gender on educational achievement, Barton has observed that girls, on average, tend to excel more than boys in the same age cohort. She recalls only two classes where boys achieved first-place ranking. Barton said that in order to improve the competency levels of the boys under her tutelage, she has become more accommodating towards them. She also assigns adult males to mentor boys who are experiencing learning difficulties. In sharing her experience with one such student who had been mentored, Barton stated that she was ecstatic to discover that in addition to gaining self-esteem, his academic performance improved considerably resulting in subsequent success in final exams.
A motivator, with a passion for outstanding achievement, she has inspired her students to strive for excellence in all areas.
Barton advises persons who wish to pursue a career in teaching to value the altruistic benefits and avoid being driven by the desire for financial gains. She regards children as a product of their community, to the extent that they mirror the ideologies of the society as a part of the global village. A committed Christian, Barton places a high value on family and lauds the support she receives from her husband and two children as well as the numerous members of her extended family.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magaz...erence_7566092
------------
If it was posted before, please forgive me!