The Tribune

SINCE 2011, Lyford Cay Foundations has served more than 500 students through FOCUS, its out-of-school time, tuition-free enrichment programme for youth in grades 5 through twelve. With the Ministry of Education’s curriculum as its foundation, FOCUS provides college readiness and access support for public school students over an eight-year period as they seek to become the first in their families to attend college.

While the impact of FOCUS on students is widely known, the programme’s positive effect on budding educators is also notable because of the programme’s emphasis on teacher coaching and mentorship. Avinel Newball-Smith, a senior educator who is also the principal at Cleveland Eneas Primary School, has worked with FOCUS for over 12 years. She serves as the FOCUS Quality Assurance and Curriculum Coordinator and is responsible for ensuring that the programme’s teachers and interns effectively deliver content. During her time at FOCUS, she has witnessed how pre-service teachers have grown through the experience.

“FOCUS uses both trained teachers and pre-service teachers who are studying education and related fields at the University of The Bahamas and other colleges,” said Newball-Smith. “The pre-service teachers, who we call interns, bring energy, excitement and a fresh perspective. In exchange, they receive hands on training, guidance and support.”

It takes 30 teachers to run FOCUS each year. During FOCUS’ 45 days of programming, pre-service teachers implement best practices as they teach students through project-based learning. Under the direction of trained teachers, the interns are mentored in classroom management, creativity and innovation.

“Before pre-service teachers get into the classroom, FOCUS takes them through intensive training where they learn important teaching strategies,” noted Newball-Smith. “Then they are assigned to a teaching team, which includes a team lead and a coach. This creates a supportive structure where they can be observed and receive feedback from expert teachers.”

Naydalle Rolle initially came to FOCUS as a biology major at  University of The Bahamas and is now embarking on her fifth summer with FOCUS.

“I learned to complete lesson plans, forecasts and unit plans. It was like a free education course in my opinion,” said Rolle. “Over the years, my teaching abilities have strengthened tremendously. I am now a teacher in the private sector and more senior teachers have commented on my teaching skills.”

Aashna Stuart is a fifth-year primary education major at University of The Bahamas who is looking forward to being an intern for the first time this summer.

“From what I’ve heard, FOCUS is demanding and challenging, but it also rewarding, and you receive support throughout the experience.”

She noted, “I’m excited to see how project-based learning unfolds and how well the students respond. I’m also really excited to be a part of a realistic school experience with lessons, electives, field trips and even a sports day.”

Just as many FOCUS students are blossoming academically, FOCUS-trained interns are excelling professionally.

“Pre-service teachers who come through FOCUS usually perform extremely well during their teaching practice and are highly sought after for placement in schools,” Newball-Smith shared. “The key is that we make sure our interns have a strong support system. We will not leave them behind. At FOCUS, we carry the whole team with us.”

Lyford Cay Foundations is honoured to support the development of teachers and future teachers of The Bahamas through FOCUS.

• Gain An Edge is a collaboration of Lyford Cay Foundations, the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and the University of The Bahamas aimed at promoting a national dialogue on issues surrounding education. To share your thoughts, email gainanedge@tribunemedia.net.