Dear Editor,
Teachers are nation builders and education is one of the solid foundations on which we will strive to build a great nation.
Although the causes of the poor performance of pupils in the classrooms are multifactorial and complex, it is being blamed, primarily, on our educators. The poor performance of students is a direct reflection of the value we place on education from the individual and communal levels to the national level.
It is quite natural that people embrace and cherish whatever they value. Whatever we cherish, whatever we nourish, shall surely flourish.
Truth be told, we have not placed the greatest value on education, and one of the ways in which this is reflected is the extent of the recognition and honour we have bestowed on our educators.
Politics seem far more important than education, at least as it relates to the naming of public education institutions. In honour of educators we have schools such as Edith Dalton James high, Edwin Allen high, Howard Cooke primary and the list could continue.
Are there six public education institutions in Jamaica which have been named in honour of outstanding educators?
At the same time, however, with the inclusion of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey, there are at least 20 educational institutions at the primary and secondary levels which have been named after politicians. It is also interesting to note that Edwin Allen and Sir Howard Cooke, a former governor general, were also politicians.
It is a fact that some teachers have received national honours and the Prime Minister's Award for outstanding contribution to education. Moreover, the politicians in whose honour education institutions have been named may be more than deserving of such honour. But let us strive for a greater sense of balance, correct this disproportion, and give more recognition and honour to our outstanding educators.
Daive R Facey
DR.Facey@gmail.com
Give greater honour to teachers
-->
Teachers are nation builders and education is one of the solid foundations on which we will strive to build a great nation.
Although the causes of the poor performance of pupils in the classrooms are multifactorial and complex, it is being blamed, primarily, on our educators. The poor performance of students is a direct reflection of the value we place on education from the individual and communal levels to the national level.
It is quite natural that people embrace and cherish whatever they value. Whatever we cherish, whatever we nourish, shall surely flourish.
Truth be told, we have not placed the greatest value on education, and one of the ways in which this is reflected is the extent of the recognition and honour we have bestowed on our educators.
Politics seem far more important than education, at least as it relates to the naming of public education institutions. In honour of educators we have schools such as Edith Dalton James high, Edwin Allen high, Howard Cooke primary and the list could continue.
Are there six public education institutions in Jamaica which have been named in honour of outstanding educators?
At the same time, however, with the inclusion of Haile Selassie and Marcus Garvey, there are at least 20 educational institutions at the primary and secondary levels which have been named after politicians. It is also interesting to note that Edwin Allen and Sir Howard Cooke, a former governor general, were also politicians.
It is a fact that some teachers have received national honours and the Prime Minister's Award for outstanding contribution to education. Moreover, the politicians in whose honour education institutions have been named may be more than deserving of such honour. But let us strive for a greater sense of balance, correct this disproportion, and give more recognition and honour to our outstanding educators.
Daive R Facey
DR.Facey@gmail.com
Give greater honour to teachers
-->