More than 100 School of Education graduands, members of the spring 2014 commencement class of The College of The Bahamas (COB), have pledged to promote equity in education and uphold its noble standards at the teachers' commissioning ceremony held recently in the foyer of the Harry C. Moore Library and Information Centre.
Like other graduands before them, the aspiring teachers were charged to serve with integrity and infuse the classrooms and schools to which they will be assigned with their passion for excellence, integrity and discipline.
"Our nation will expect you to provide each and every student with the kind of classroom experience that will stimulate their intellect and their curiosity, ignite their passion for learning, inspire them to excel, as it is these types of citizens who will impact meaningfully the development of their communities and, indeed, the world," said Acting President of The College of The Bahamas Dr. Earla Carey-Baines.
Dr. Carey-Baines told the graduates that as soon-to-be alumni of the institution, they are expected to think critically and creatively.
"As alumni of the college we expect that you will conduct yourself always with honor and dignity and act in such a way that you become the yardstick by which future generations of COB students will measure themselves," she said.
The graduation event marked the fifth time that The College has held a special ceremony as part of its commencement activities specifically to induct its education graduands into the teaching profession.
Information Officer at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Nerissa Hamilton delivered the commissioning address. She told the graduands that, as teachers, they would be consistently challenged in leaving a legacy of effective leadership.
"This legacy of leadership that you are building upon stands on the premise that quality education is a national imperative; what we teach must be relevant, current and engaging. It must be applicable to our setting, yet transferrable to the global society," she said.
"What will your legacy be? For you, I envision a generation of leaders who will establish traditions and values that can be passed on to future generations without regret. I see a generation of leaders who have an intentional legacy and that is to leave The Bahamas and, yes, the world a better place for generations to come."
Eighty-seven persons completed degree, certificate and diploma programs at the college in spring 2014; 58 persons completed their academic programs in December 2013. Many of them will be placed with local public and private schools, while others will continue their academic careers.
Of the 145 graduands from the School of Education in the 2013-2014 academic year, males accounted for 13 percent.
Dean of Social and Educational Studies Dr. Ruth Sumner reminded the former students of the responsibilities they would assume and the expectation that they would perform as servant leaders.
"Teachers touch the lives of their students in the most profound ways, and I daresay the work that you will be called to do will affect us all in one way or another, for there is no greater time than the present that The Bahamas and, indeed, the world need to see service leadership demonstrated," she said.

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