In June of 2010 the teachers at Santa Elena Primary School embarked on a Teacher Leadership Program. The facilitators being Dr. Jennifer Morrow of Independent Day School in Tampa Florida and Mrs. Abigail Wade Itinerant Resource Officer for NaRCIE, Cayo District.
The program included topics such as Brain-Based Research, Cooperative Learning, Multiple Intelligences, Differentiated Instruction, and the M.O.R.E. Approach Multiple Options for Results in Education). The facilitators used the techniques and strategies that Dr. Spencer Kagan developed to deliver instruction. Dr Spencer Kagan is an internationally acclaimed researcher, presenter and author of over 100 books, chapters, and scientific journal articles. He is a former clinical psychologist and full professor of psychology and education at the University of California. He is the principal author of the single most comprehensive book for educators in each of four fields: cooperative learning, multiple intelligences, classroom discipline, and classroom energizers. His instructional strategies are used in teacher training institutes in many countries.
The team of teachers from Santa Elena Primary, that participated in the Summer Academy in Orlando, Florida in July of this year were so stunned by what they saw and experienced that they wanted their Belizean colleagues and peers to learn from this incomparable speaker. Mrs. Abigail Wade persisted and invited Dr. Kagan to Belize. In his own words, ”Persistence melts resistance” prevailed.
Two months after attending the workshop Mrs. Wade received an email from the Kagan Institute informing her that Dr. Kagan has accepted our invitation to come to Belize. We were ecstatic as this is the 33rd country he has been to. We quickly formed a committee at Santa Elena Primary School and plans were on the way to facilitate his visit. We got the message out through email, advertisement on the local TV station and a presentation about his work to the Cayo Association of Primary School Principals (CAPPS). Some were excited immediately and some took some coaching and encouragement.
Dr. Kagan and his son Miguel Kagan who co-authored many of the books touched down in Belize on Thursday October 20th, 2011. The entourage that went to pick him up conversed along the way to San Ignacio. We immediately got so comfortable speaking with him as he was so down to earth and related to our situation and education system. Dr. Kagan has been all over the world but this was his first visit to Belize. Upon reaching San Ignacio he insisted that he wanted to go to the workshop venue and ensure that everything was set in place for the following day.
Over one hundred and twenty administrators and representatives from 44 Primary schools and 2 High schools and one Junior College attended the Friday’s session. The following are comments made by the teachers that attended the workshops. 
“Thanks for including us in this most interesting workshop.” “ Cudos to you teachers for planning and organizing such a workshop. “
“The time spent was worthwhile and very engaging. Well, what can I say, but many, many congratulations to all concerned for making those workshops happen!”
“ The most engaging workshop I have ever been to, he just change the meaning of workshops for me Wasn't the atmosphere great?
A totally, totally positive experience.”
The administrators, managers and representatives that attended on Friday were overwhelmed by what they experienced. One hundred and sixty teachers gathered at the George Price Center for the second session and this phenomenal occasion. We started promptly at 8:30a.m. From the onset I could have felt the energy in the room. The teachers were very engaged and some were soaking it all up like a sponge. By the end of the session the only complaints I heard were that time was too limited and they wanted more. The teachers stood up and gave Dr. Kagan a standing ovation and cheered him on. It was an awesome sight and the resounding cheers made it memorable.
