Many years ago the yearning to become a teacher was burning within me. Unfortunately, for me, I came from a single parent family and was living within the poverty level on the South Side of Belize City. My attempt of becoming a teacher was delayed since immediately after graduating from Saint Catherines Academy I sat and successfully passed my entrance exams to attend the then Teachers Collage but soon realized that the stipend given would not suffice my financial needs at the time so I had to withdraw from the program and postponed my dream and became a Public Officer. I spent over fifteen years within the Public Service but I never gave up the aspiration of one day being in the classroom as a teacher. After leaving the Public Service and staying at home for three years, I decided to vehemently peruse my passion and first love.
My interest was even further sparked when one of my children encountered some terrible experiences with teachers at a certain school. These experiences made me more determined and motivated me to believe that if I could positively influence children in the classroom to become the best they could ever be without having to live the experiences of my child, then I would be doing a great service to God’s Children.
In 2008, I was given the opportunity to teach at Santa Elena Primary School. At that time if I was asked whether or not having the pedagogical training of a teacher was important, I would have said a resounding “NO”. I found teaching very natural and I was comfortable in my class. I was fortunate to have colleagues who were more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me which made my transition into the classroom easy. After almost three years in the class I still embrace the experience with joy, although I have changed my mindset towards pedagogical training.
My change in thinking about the importance of pedagogical training was gradual. It was further solidified in August of 2010 .Our school staff decided that we would embark on a Leadership Training Program. Mrs. Abigail Wade of the National resource Center for Inclusive Education (NARCIE) and Dr. Jennifer Morrow from Independent Day School (Corbett Campus, Tampa) are the chief coordinators, who with the Belize National Energy Trust launched this whole-school initiative to promote teacher efficacy and inclusion.
We have been taught and instructed by a number of dynamic presenters in different subject areas, but what most impressed me was the fact that although the training was and still is a bit intense, the information imparted opened a new world for me as an educator.
Many of the strategies and techniques shared are similar to what I was already doing but did not have a label or method. The idea of multiple intelligences and the lectures on Brain research, and how the brain functions, have given me new insight into how to best nurture each students God given potential, and to appreciate the “ Uniqueness” of all learners.
Over the past year, I have tried many of the strategies, which were modeled, and for me they have all been successful, contributing to productivity and cooperation in the classroom. My experience through these professional development sessions has been meaningful. It has also provided me with ideas on how to plan effectively for learning to occur. I know have better classroom management skills; the ability to recognize the different needs displayed by students ant to cater for those individual learning needs within a classroom setting. This allowed for richer diversity and total inclusion.
For me the biggest change has been the realization that although being academically qualified does not translate to “Teacher of the Year”, It however makes me more equipped and prepared to deliver quality education and instruction. This program has made us at Santa Elena Primary School feel ready to face all future challenges and to address current issues with hope and a positive attitude.
Most recently a workshop was held on Monday 2nd May, 2011 that was conducted by Mrs. Judy Diego who is the chairperson for the Teachers Services Commission. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Her lecture was dynamic, hammering home the idea that as teachers we should set the example and model the way through mentorship and self efficacy. We are encouraged not only to be professionals, but to pursue excellence with love and passion for such a noble vocation. We were humbled by her commitment to facilitate this workshop on a public holiday, and applaud her for being a role model and true educator. In light of celebrating education through two weeks of meaningful activities, I must say that we are empowered to create change, nurture minds and embrace our future.
Marie Fernandez
Santa Elena R.C. Primary School
Santa Elena Town, Cayo District
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