By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Tuesday 30th August 2022) — “We need to give the work environment attention — not just the resources of books but the space; the decent work agenda is required for us to function and to work well.” Such sentiments were expressed by trained graduate teacher Micheleina Charles-Hazelle of the Washington Archibald High School, who served as keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the new school year on Monday 29th August 2022, held at the Rivers of Living Waters Christian Center at the Lime Kiln Commercial Development in Basseterre. She called for a “new deal” for teachers, examining the components of care, community, attention, respect and equity within the teaching profession.
“Are we paying attention to the physical structure or the lack of physical layout in our classrooms? We’re talking about dot com and blended learning but the new school requires so much. Are we giving teachers the attention they need for resources? Because if you’re paying attention to teachers, they are demonstrating to you what they need to teach well,” she outlined. On community: “We must develop cultures of care in our communities. We must make our teachers feel buttressed.” On equity: “The status of teachers needs to become more equitable. As we are reforming education, we need teachers at the policy table to say these truths, we need to be included. You all need to stop making up curriculums and give us the training that is necessary so that we can provide equitable and quality education. Invite your teachers to the table and listen to us. We are the engine for the nation’s children’s sake, we deserve a new deal.” New Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley gave the commitment that there will be a new deal for teachers under his leadership.