Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer
Seven teachers who have served the school from between 29-33 years reflect on the moment during an awards ceremony. They are (from left) Areta Brooks, Catherine Hayles, Hermine Britton, Dorine Daubon, Yvonne Murray, Nobia Spence and Avolda Baghaloo. - PHOTOS BY ANTHONY MINOTT
CRESCENT PRIMARY School, located on Brunswick Avenue in Spanish Town, took time out to honour their own at the Medalion Hall hotel on Wednesday, May 10. Teachers who have served from four to 33 years were given plaques courtesy of the manufacturers of Sunshine Snacks.
An uproar began when Areta Brooks, escorted by her son Dennis Brooks, came to collect her plaque from Karen Baghaloo. Dorine Daubon, who has served the school for 33 years, received her award for being the longest-serving member of staff, she was escorted by Dennis Brooks III, Mrs. Brooks' grandson.
Professor Zellynne Jennings-Craig, head of the Department of Educational Studies and director of the School of Education, University of the West Indies, Mona, was the keynote speaker at the function.
TEACHERS AT RISK
She spoke about teachers at risk and made reference to the editorial in a recent edition of The Sunday Gleaner, 'A time to shift gears', which challenged the JTA and the Ministry of Education to chart a new course as they were failing Jamaica. She underscored the point that not only teachers, but the education system itself was at risk as long as the belief persisted that changes in curricula and teacher preparation are the solutions to the ills in society, instead of recognising that these problems are deeply rooted in the economic and social fabric of the society.
"A partnership of school, home and the society is needed for dealing with the problems in education today." She challenged the teachers to change their methods of teaching in order to connect with the more visual style of learning of young people in a technological age and pointed to the tremendous impact that teachers have in shaping the lives of the young. Teachers, she said, are significant role models for the young and they have the power to teach more by showing examples of who they are rather than by what they say - a responsibility which they should face with humanity, humility and pride.
