Nadine Molloy appointed principal of Shortwood Teachers’ College

The chairman of Shortwood Teachers’ College, Grantley Stephenson, along with the board of governors, yesterday officially announced the appointment of Nadine A. Molloy as the principal of the institution.

Molloy, a highly experienced educator and administrator, assumed her role on October 1, 2024.

Molloy has been serving as the interim principal since January 2024 following her secondment from Ardenne High School, where she held the principal position for 12 years. Her appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information last week.

Expressing his delight, Chairman Stephenson commended Molloy’s leadership over the past year, highlighting the notable improvements she has brought to the college’s physical, academic, and administrative environments.

“This is a well-deserved and fitting appointment, given her sterling performance as interim principal, her strong spirit of excellence, and her dedicated service to the field, spanning many years,” he stated.

The board of governors expressed their confidence in Molloy’s ability to advance the institution’s transformation into a globally competitive academic institution. Stephenson emphasised her strategic vision, particularly in accelerating the integration of digital innovations into teaching and learning.

Molloy brings a wealth of academic and professional expertise to her new role. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information Studies, a Master of Arts in Education Administration, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Language, Literature, and Sociology, a Diploma in Teaching English, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership.

Her extensive career includes lecturing at the University of the West Indies, Brown’s Town Community College, Church Teachers’ College, and Bishop Gibson High School.

She has also served as the principal of Buff Bay High School and worked with the Jamaica Library Service.

WEALTH OF EXPERTISE

Molloy, who was named Principal of the Year in 2009, previously served as President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) from 2010 to 2011 and continues to serve as a trustee of the organisation.

A native of Portland and an alumna of Marymount High School in St Mary, Molloy has also been actively involved in national and international education committees. She serves on Jamaica’s Education Transformation Oversight Committee and is an executive member of Education International, a global educators’ organisation.

Additionally, she has contributed to international panels, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and EI World Congresses. She is also a member of the Education Taskforce Oversight Committee.

‘NEW DIRECTION’

Reflecting on her appointment, Molloy expressed her excitement about this new phase in her career.

“I am excited at the opportunity to take my career in education in a new direction. It has been an interesting learning curve, and I certainly welcome the challenge of leading Shortwood Teachers’ College into a new era in education,” she stated.

She emphasised the importance of adopting innovative teacher training methods to meet the evolving demands of education.

Shortwood Teachers’ College, founded in 1885 as Jamaica Women’s College, is now celebrating its 140th anniversary. Originally established as an all-female institution with just 18 students, the college was relocated in 1887 to its current site on the Shortwood Estate in St Andrew.

The institution transitioned to co-education in 2001 with the admission of three male students in Modern Languages and English. Since then, male students have enrolled in all programmes offered by the college.

With a student population of 725 and a staff of 170, Shortwood Teachers’ College continues to uphold its motto, ‘Growth and Enlightenment’.

The institution offers a diverse range of academic programmes, including an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelor of Education in multiple specialisations, and a Masters in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. The college remains a vital contributor to Jamaica’s education system, playing a crucial role in teacher training and academic development.

Molloy’s leadership marks a new chapter in Shortwood Teachers’ College’s rich history, as she spearheads efforts to enhance its academic reputation and global competitiveness.