The Tribune

THE next generation of Bahamian teachers should see themselves as nation builders engaged in vital work to develop the country and to “ignite the fire that every student has within”.

Those were the messages to more than 140 teacher cadets from public and private schools in New Providence and the Family Islands at the 2014 Future Teachers of The Bahamas National Conference last month at the British Colonial Hilton Hotel.

The Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Jerome Fitzgerald, and Darren Turnquest, Director of Youth, spoke of the challenges facing the country’s aspiring teachers and the imperative for quality educators.

Mr Fitzgerald told the teacher cadets that educators must lead the way in promoting success in school. “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,” he said.

Future teachers must see themselves in the vital role of nation builders, whose work directly affects the national development of the country, he said. He pointed out that the current teacher cadets will be a part of the plan to transform education in the Bahamas and assist with the reorganisation required to prevent many 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. Your presence in the Future Teachers Programme indicates that you are capable of applying your abilities to obtain excellent results. Prepare yourself well, so that you will be equipped to prepare our twenty-first century students,” said the Minister.

He encouraged the cadets to inspire the next generation of Bahamians to think and dream big, citing the Bahamas as a country that can boast three citizens named as Rhodes Scholars. There are Bahamians at the helm of universities and teach in classrooms throughout the world making a difference on the global stage.

Mr Turnquest challenged the teacher cadets to treat education as something that is real, relevant and revolutionary and told them teachers must rise to the highest standard to engage and effect change in society.

“Ignite the fire that every student has within. 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, stating that a positive classroom environment would yield positive results.

Throughout the day, cadets participated in break-out sessions facilitated by speakers such as Charles Major, Nikisha Rolle, Sharmaine Sinclair, Michelle Sears, Charlotte Brown, Gaylene McClain, Rujean Hart and executives of the Education Awareness Society of The College of The Bahamas.

Under-secretary Angela Pratt-Rolle presented trophies to winners of the Essay, Speech, Poster and Logo competitions at the conference. According to Demetria Rolle, Coordinator of the Future Teachers Programme, the rationale behind the competitions is to inspire creative thought, foster positive contribution to the field of education and promote innovation that can be used in future classrooms.