'We have no regrets'
Published:Thursday | May 5, 2011 | 12:00 AM
- Veteran educators say teaching still fulfilling after 40 years in classroom
Nadisha Hunter, Staff Reporter
Moulding young minds has become the norm for Lowana McDonald and Winston Pratt who have been teaching for more than four decades.
And despite them edging close to retirement, they have no plans to give up teaching.
As the country celebrated Teachers' Day yesterday, the proud educators said they are extremely grateful that despite the challenges they faced in the classroom, a day is set aside annually to recognise their hard work.
McDonald, 59, a teacher at Seaforth Primary School in St Thomas, started out in the profession at age 19.
"It has been very fulfilling. I have seen persons who I taught in various professions. The only person I am yet to see is a pilot, and I know it will happen soon," McDonald boasted.
"I really enjoy teaching and there are some moments in the classroom that I will never forget," she added.
She said she uses Teachers' Day to reflect on her sojourn in the profession.
"It is a day in which I set aside to look back at my achievements for the year, looking at where I have succeeded and also where I have failed. Every year, I always look forward to this because I really deserve the moment," she added.
extended service
The long-serving teacher said even though she plans to give up her duties in the classroom at the end of the year, she would continue the teaching journey by extending her service to the wider community in an effort to continue her contribution to improve literacy in the island.
It is a similar experience for Pratt, who has been in the education system for 41 years.
The 58-year-old principal of Norman Gardens Primary and Junior High School said although teaching was not his first option, he has no regrets.
He said his greatest joy comes from successful individuals who he had a chance to have some impact on their lives.
"When you see children make progress from your labour, it is quite pleasurable. So even though the economic returns aren't great, I keep going and I am happy about the successes," he said.
Education Minister Andrew Holness, in his Teachers' Day message, lauded the professionals for their service to the sector.
"We, at the Ministry of Education, recognise that many of our teachers serve not only as teachers but as parents, as counsellors and caregivers. We know that many teachers dip into their pockets and pay for lunches, pencils and books for students," Holness said.
"We know you go beyond the call of duty, time and time again. For this, we hail you and we hail your actions," he added.
Opposition Spokesman on Education Basil Waite said strong public education helps to reduce crime rates, decreases health-care costs and it also raises the overall standard of living for all citizens and so World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to look at the importance of public education.