Teacher cadets encouraged to take note of best teaching practices

Wed, May 28th 2014, 09:42 AM

Teacher cadets were encouraged to take note of current best-teaching practices and the latest learning tools in education during the recent Future Teachers of The Bahamas National Conference.
The 140 cadets from public and private schools around the country were told by Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Jerome Fitzgerald that their presence in the Future Teachers Programme indicated that they were capable of applying their abilities to obtain excellent results. He encouraged them to prepare themselves well, so that they would be equipped to prepare for the country's 21st century students.
"Making the choice to enter the teaching profession is synonymous with making the choice to be a role model for students who will observe you daily," said Fitzgerald at the one-day conference that was held under the theme "Cultivating Educators of the Highest Quality".
Fitzgerald told the future teachers that they must see themselves in the vital role of nation builders whose work directly affects the national development of the country. And that they would be a part of the plan to transform education and assist with the reorganization required to prevent students from falling through the cracks.
"Teachers of the future, you will be charged with the task of equipping our students to succeed in an ever-changing global society. However, you will not be able to assist them if you are not prepared. We have a diverse student population, therefore, we must employ differentiated teaching methods. It is imperative that you take note of current best teaching practices and the latest learning tools in education.
Director of Youth Darren Turnquest, who spoke to the cadets about quality education being of a national imperative, told the future educators that teachers are called to a higher standard and must rise above the standard in order to engage and effect change in society.
"Ignite the fire that every student has within," he challenged. "Engage every student despite his or her challenges. Have an individual success plan to empower students to achieve their own success. Provide an enabling environment," he advised. He told the cadets that a positive classroom environment would yield positive results.
Future Teachers of The Bahamas Programme participant Philane Sargent, an 11th grade student at the C.R. Walker Senior School, said during the conference she learned that as an educator, she must be a mentor, teach with passion, think smart and think ahead.
McTair Grant, a 12th grade student at Eight Mile Rock Senior School in Grand Bahama, said being a part of the program opened his eyes to the reality of the teaching profession.
"I am now aware of the in-depth skill and professionalism that is involved in teaching," said Grant, who wants to obtain a post-secondary education degree in mathematics. "Students come to school to be mentored and even receive the parenting that they do not get at home," he said.
Teleos Christian School's 10th grade student, Princess McHardy, a 10th-grader at Teleos Christian School, said the program taught her that she should be a teacher of quality, and be there to help her students through their struggles and problems.
During the conference, the cadets participated in essay, speech, poster and logo competitions, which organizers hoped would inspire creative thought, foster positive contribution to the field of education and promote innovation that can be used in future classrooms amongst the cadets.
Doris Johnson Senior School won the logo competition.
Alexus Francis of Doris Johnson School took the poster competition; T'andria Wright of C.C. Sweeting Senior School finished second, with Brittany Deal of Doris Johnson School, third.
The essay competition was won by Queen's College student Alexia Major. Ashley McClain from St. John's College was second and Vincent King of Queen's College was third.
The speech competition was captured by Patiqua Rolle of Jordan Prince Williams School. Ashley McClain of St. John's College took the second place trophy and Shantelle Beneby of Jordan Prince Williams finished third.

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