Teachers must be committed to the profession

Vincent David who began his career as a teacher in 1966 at the Mamoral RC school, retired earlier this year as Principal of the Chaguanas RC School. He spent most of his teaching years at the two schools. He attended the Government Training College from 1972 to 1974 and in 1984 returned to Mamoral where he stayed until 1984.

Not satisfied with remaining a teacher, he embarked on professional courses in school administration and principal-ship with the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) and the Inter-American Development Bank. The training made him more marketable as it enhanced his skills and made him legible for promotion.

During that time David also maintained his commitment to TTUTA, serving as staff representative, district field officer and vice chairman of the industrial relations committee.

In 1997 and 1998 he was promoted to vice principal and principal respectively at the Siparia Boys’ RC school. A year later in 1999 he served as chairman of the Primary Schools Principals Association in St Patrick and in 2000 was made vice president of the National Primary School Principals Association.

In 2003, David was made principal of the Chaguanas RC School from where he retired earlier this year. Reflecting on his 39 - year career, David said his most memorable moment was bringing recognition to the Chaguanas RC School when Standard Five students got passes for prestige schools for the first time. David had returned to the school in 1984 after attending training college. He was credited for encouraging the students to put prestige schools as their first choices.

David also had advice for those wanting to enter the teaching profession. He described teaching as a vocation and persons should never use it as a stepping stone.

"If you are not committed to the core and concerned about moulding minds, then don’t enter the profession."

Asked about the progression of the education system, David called for more involvement of teachers, pointing out that too often various committees have too many persons sitting in high offices. He said there should be more consultations and proper implementation.

And whether teachers were adequately compensated, David said some teachers could never be adequately compensated, while others didn’t deserve a single cent more than they were paid. He believed too that the current salary, while good, "has to be kept in line so as to erode the debts incurred over the years."

As for his opinion on the traits of a good administrator, David suggested that principals needed to listen to their staff and there must be a shared vision as to where the school should be. He warned that principals and teachers should not be vindicative to each other, and the principal should have a good knowledge of the skills of the staff. He suggests parental involvement in school activities be also encouraged.