BARCLAY

Ena Barclay, president-elect of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), has given the commitment to establish a counselling unit in the JTA for teachers who are experiencing problems in the classroom.

Mrs. Barclay said this was one of several things which she hoped to do when she takes over as president.

The JTA president-elect, who was addressing the Kingston Bookshop luncheon to honour two teachers for their contribution to the profession on Tuesday, said several incidents in recent times have underscored the need for the unit.

"The education system is experiencing one of the most challenging periods in its history based on recent happenings," she said while addressing the luncheon at the Terra Nova Hotel in St. Andrew. "When our teachers have to cower in fear under desks and tables in the classrooms, it sends fear throughout the profession."

Teachers encouraged

She said the safety of teachers in school has become a cause for concern, but urged teachers not to allow the increase in violence in the classroom to dampen their spirits.

"The violence which has surfaced in the classroom must not dampen the resolve of the teachers to educate the nation's children," she said. "We must teach children the value of education so that they will be focused and pursue excellence."

Meanwhile, Mrs. Barclay has challenged teachers to come up with innovative, flexible and creative ways to address disruptive students in the classroom.

"As managers, we must work with efficiency while maintaining high standards. We must involve students in positive and challenging activities to build their characters and instil greater levels of patriotism towards their schools," she said.

She also suggested that the relevant agencies should be called upon to intervene in dealing with disruptive students.

Greater commitment needed

In addition, she said despite several positive initiatives by Government in the sector, such as the training of teachers in the use of technology, the refund of 50 per cent of tuition and the construction of new schools, there was need for a greater level of commitment.

"More goals and objectives can be realised. We need to really believe that investment in education is the key to the nation's development," she said.

Kingston Bookshop honoured veteran educators Karen Hewett-Kennedy, principal of the Portmore Community College, and Edwin Murray, vice-principal of the G.C. Foster College, for their exemplary service to the profession.

In accepting her award, Mrs. Hewett-Kennedy said she was at a loss for words and was grateful for the recognition.

Mr. Murray said he was very surprised to have been one of this year's recipients and was very honoured.