GoodHeart | Beyond the classroom
92-y-o educator Dorothy Isaacs honoured for 53 years of service
Published:Saturday | July 5, 2025 | 12:08 AMRollesha Laing/Assistant Lifestyle and Entertainment Editor
A hearty smile and gentle laugh lit up the face of 92-year-old veteran educator Dorothy Isaacs as her profile was read moments before she received a special award at the Jamaica Teachers’ Association Golden Torch Award ceremony on Friday morning. Standing strong as she made her way to collect the award, she was met with rowdy applause and admiration from fellow educators and awardees in the room at The Jamaica Pegasus.
“I wasn’t expecting anything like this at all,” Isaacs told GoodHeart. “I knew they were having a function for teachers for their length of service, so I got dressed. But, this was not at all what I was expecting,” she added.
With 53 years of experience in teaching, she explained that she knew from a very early age that she wanted to teach, adding that it was “...as if it was a calling… I’ve always admired the profession.”
And a calling, it seems, it was indeed.
Her journey in education began at the centuries-old Anglican St Simon’s Basic School, where the foundations were laid. From there, she moved on to Caledonia Teachers’ College, nurturing her dream of teaching. That dream blossomed further when she earned a degree in Education, specialising in music, from The Mico University College.
When she reflected on her five decades of teaching in Jamaica, Isaacs said there were far too many priceless moments to count, having taught several subjects over the years. But one thing that stands out, even now, is the number of students she helped to discover their hidden talent in music.
“A lot of the students I worked with back then didn’t know that they could sing and play the instruments. When I taught music, some years later, they would have become musicians and told me that I played a big part in making that happen. A lot of greatness came out of that music room,” she said, adding that the memory of the students being excited to come to music class remains fresh in her mind.
In addition to singing, Isaacs taught students to play instruments like the violin and piano — something she eventually even started playing at church. Though unable to anymore, she effortlessly formed the posture of her hands to mimic that of pressing on the keys as she recalled the memory.
Beyond her classroom work, Isaacs played a vital role in shaping education and music in Jamaica. She was a founding teacher of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and established an evening programme for young people and adults with learning challenges. Passionate about music, she contributed to the Jamaica Music Orchestra, promoting classical music within the community. Her collaborations with notable figures such as Dr Olive Lewin helped provide invaluable musical opportunities at Jones Town Primary School.
Proud to witness her mother being honoured for a lifetime of service, Isaacs’ daughter Sharon Isaacs wore a smile that was twice as bright as the honouree’s.
“I feel so wonderful, proud of her, and happy! It’s really a blessing to see the milestone that she has reached. Her teaching role has played off on us (her children) and the characteristics like discipline, hard work and genuine joy that comes from doing something you love,” Sharon said, adding that she can still remember the days her mother would help her and her siblings with their homework all while helping several students every day.
“She has 10 of us. And we all went to traditional high school, some went off to colleges and universities, and we have, in our own ways, become successful. One of her sons that died tragically, Aaron, were among those of us that followed in her footsteps, teaching at schools like Merl Grove, Alpha, and he had a little school called Science Institute where he taught sciences and arts, ” Sharon explained.
Though he passed away over 20 years ago, Isaacs founded and chaired the Aaron Isaacs Scholarship Fund with the help of family members. The fund continues to run strong, supporting two students from poor, marginalised backgrounds each time, further highlighting her admirable and selfless nature.
When asked what advice she would give to young teachers, Isaacs happily said, “Take time to really see your students. Teaching is not just about lessons; it’s about helping each child find their own gift. Be patient and keep believing in them. And, try to just enjoy it!”