J'can teachers, a national treasure

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I WAS privileged to attend the 37th Annual Conference of the Jamaica Teachers' Association last month, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, and to address the teachers at the beginning of their meeting. I have worked in education for more than 20 years, first as a high school English teacher and most recently as a teacher educator involved in preparing approximately 400 to 500 new teachers every year.

That experience, combined with four trips to Jamaica since January 1999 during which I have met with dozens of teachers, principals, and college lecturers across the island, compels me to take this opportunity to praise the teachers of Jamaica as being as committed to their all-important work as any teachers I have met during my career.

Clearly, the teachers in Jamaica ­ like their counterparts around the world ­ face a great many challenges in the daily practice of their profession. Nevertheless, there is no question about their unfailing dedication to providing the children of Jamaica ­ who are the future of the nation ­ with the opportunities that quality education brings.

Jamaicans should take great pride in their teachers and view them as a national treasure.

I am etc.,

Dr. TOM GANSER

Director Office

of Field Experiences

College of Education

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, Wisconsin USA

gansert@mail.uww.edu

Via Go-Jamaica

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