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Raise a glass to our teachers!

Published:Wednesday | May 8, 2019 | 12:28 AM
Keadon McLeod, an employee of Woolworth's, places one of 38 baskets for teachers at the St Richard's Primary School into a motor car. The baskets were being collected by Parent-Teacher Association President Cecelia Robinson last week Friday at the New Kingston Shopping Centre. Teachers' Day is being celebrated today.
Gladstone Taylor/Multimedia Photo Editor
Keadon McLeod, an employee of Woolworth's, places one of 38 baskets for teachers at the St Richard's Primary School into a motor car. The baskets were being collected by Parent-Teacher Association President Cecelia Robinson last week Friday at the New Kingston Shopping Centre. Teachers' Day is being celebrated today.

JTA salutes educators on Teachers' Day

As the nation pauses today to recognise the role of educators in shaping society, Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) President Dr Garth Anderson is saluting his colleagues.

Calling the day "a significant moment in Education Week", Anderson said, "It represents a time for parents, students and indeed the nation to pause and salute the hard work and dedication of Jamaica’s most resilient nation builders – our teachers. Our work and worth cannot be overemphasised, thus we deserve all the accolades and recognition possible."

The JTA president added: "It is our task to shape minds, inspire hope, transform communities and create productive citizens, who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to contribute to the local and globalised community in which we live. These are tasks we have been committed to as we live a life of service to others."

He urged his colleagues to recommit to continue being a beacon of hope and inspiration for Jamaica.

JTA president's full message:

I deem it a great pleasure to wish you, all my colleagues, a very Happy Teacher's Day. Today marks a significant moment in Education Week. It represents a time for parents, students and, indeed, the nation to pause and salute the hard work and dedication of Jamaica’s most resilient nation builders – our teachers. Our work and worth cannot be overemphasised. Thus, we deserve all the accolades and recognition possible.

It is our task to shape minds, inspire hope, transform communities and create productive citizens, who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to contribute to the local and globalised community in which we live. These are tasks we have been committed to as we live a life of service to others.

As we celebrate and reflect, we should be mindful that our Supreme Teacher has called us to be co-workers with him. Consequently, we must be conscious that we are part of a profession that is the mother of all professions. As such, we must seek to safeguard this noble vocation by being the consummate professionals in all our endeavours. Let us recommit ourselves today to the theme for the conference year;, 'Promoting the Teaching Profession: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration to the Nation'.

As we think of the many challenges that confront us as teachers, let us seek wisdom and vision as we influence minds and conscience for the future.

Finally, continue to teach in love as we shape the world.

Once again, Happy Teacher's Day, my colleagues, and may we continue to unite and serve.