THE EDITOR, Sir:
AS A concerned Basic School teacher, I am writing in response to articles published in the Sunday Gleaner dated October 26 and November 2, 2003.
I have been a teacher in the system for 15 years and see the need for continuous training. This is why many of my colleagues and I have taken the initiative and are pursuing courses in Teachers' Colleges and other institutions offering training in Early Childhood Education. Our reason for doing this on our meagre resources stems from our commitment to give 'quality education' to the children that we serve.
Why then are we getting such a bashing? Please remember how basic schools originated. We have always been the underdogs in the education system. It is only on occasions like these that we are remembered. This is very sad. I see that everyone is now awake and realises that we should be the best. Thank you for your discovery, but this is not news as in the basic school of which I am a part this has always been our motto and we have already taken the initiative and are upgrading ourselves.
Dr. Simms is asking for quality teachers in the system. I totally agree, but I still ask, is the Government now willing to SERIOUSLY address this critical sector of the Education System? Yes Dr. Linton speaks of all the 'PLANS". I must hasten to say that these "PLANS" need to become reality otherwise we cannot continue to hope that quality teachers will be attracted to the system under the existing conditions. After all, we need quality teachers to provide quality education.
I want to use this opportunity to say thanks to those education officers who have been working with us over the years. We have been exposed to many trends and issues in Early Childhood Education along with communication skills.
I agree that there are persons in the system with weaknesses but this can be found in every profession. I am very disappointed. However, I will not be disheartened, as I get positive results from these poor children that are in my care and who are from poor families.
To my fellow colleagues, I say do not be discouraged. We will continue to fight the good fight because we realise that the formative years of a child are very crucial. I implore you to give of your best and do not be afraid of the challenges because our children are our future.
I am, etc.,
CONCERNED
EARLY CHILDHOOD
TEACHER
