Influx of Prospective Teachers Attend Preparatory ‘Boot Camp’

(EMU) – St. Kitts, July 02,2012: Over two hundred young persons interested in the teaching profession were given to heart to heart talks by education officials as part of an Induction Course to prepare them for the role to which they aspire.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Ms. Ionie Liburd-Willett informed participants that teaching is a calling which demands dedication, commitment and passion.

Stressing the importance of satisfaction over salary, she encouraged them to begin to think of ways in which they could engage children, listen to children and become their mentors and confidants. She also advised them to refrain from becoming overly friendly to the point of encouraging a loss of respect and inappropriate relationships, especially in the case of teenagers.

The permanent secretary shared the history of her journey from being a teacher at the Boys’ School to her current post as Permanent Secretary of Education. She stressed the importance of becoming quality teachers maintaining good attitudes and high levels of professionalism.

Also making a presentation to the prospective teachers was Acting Chief Education Officer Ms. Clarice Cotton, whose main message was “Be Prepared Prior to Entering the Classroom.” Ms Cotton said this was the most important advice she could give the new recruits. She also challenged them to identify and come up with creative ways to assist struggling students.

Facilitator of the Induction Course Senior Education Officer Mr. Michael Blake, commended participants on the rapt attention they were paying to the sessions in anticipation of being chosen as teachers in September.