‘I’ll be a trusting leader’

It may be an ambitious task given the numerous issues plaguing the education sector but she is ready to embrace the challenge.

“It would mean that I would have to be ready for the tremendous challenges which are attached to this male dominated position such as improving organisational efficiency and effectiveness, leading a union in these difficult economic times, effecting change and earning respect,” she said of the position.

If elected TTUTA president, Chinebas-Dindial would join a small group of women who have already made their mark as leaders of teachers’ organisations within the region and beyond. These include Celia Nicolas, president of the Dominica Association of Teachers Union and head of the American Federation of Teachers, Randi Weingarten.

Contesting the leadership under the Team TNT (The new TTUTA) slate for the October 20 election, Chinebas-Dindial, who claims to have been endorsed by three previous TTUTA leaders, said her main thrust, if elected, would be to inspire, motivate and set direction for the union.

“I will strive to become a trusting leader,” she said, adding that strategic leadership will be practised using communication intensive activities.

She said people would become a “common pillar,” of her stewardship.

Saying that student violence and indiscipline, long a concern within the sector, ranked highly among her team’s list of priorities, Chinebas- Dindial said teachers will be empowered to play a critical role in this regard.

“We will provide training for our members to deal with deviant behaviour and will continue to hold symposiums and conferences to assist with strategies for the way forward,” she told Sunday Newsday.

Chinebas-Dindial said the union will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to ensure schools are provided with sufficient security personnel.

The union, she said, also will communicate with the ministry to ensure that Student Support Services functions effectively to provide the much needed support for students.

“We intend to engage the NPTA (National Parent-Teacher Association) in continuous discussions to attain strategies to move ahead such as parenting workshops,” she said.

Also on her team’s agenda will be the construction of the long-awaited Teachers’ Centre for which most of the approvals have already been received through incumbent treasurer Gewan Durga, Chinebas-Dindial said. Durga is again seeking to retain his position as treasurer on the Team TNT slate.

Appointed principal of the Upper Carapichaima Presbyterian Primary School in February 2010, Chinebas- Dindial attended the Todd’s Road RC Primary School and later, Holy Faith Convent, Couva.

She began her teaching career in September 1992, attending Corinth Teachers’ College, San Fernando, from 1995 to 1997.

A devout Presbyterian, Chinebas- Dindial completed her Bachelors in Education degree in 2006 at the St Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies.

A Masters in Education degree (concentration in curriculum) followed three years later.

Chinebas-Dindial, who is the chairman of the Caroni Educational District, believes the various portfolios she has held in organisations within the region coupled with her 24-year involvement with TTUTA made her ideal for the position of president.

She regarded TTUTA as a dynamic organisation.

“It is a service organisation with the important task of representing teachers and ensuring that their rights are upheld. Leadership for TTUTA needs to be carefully chosen,” Chinebas-Dindial said.

“I have interfaced with the current President and other officers quite often at many levels. I know that I possess the competencies needed to fulfil the requirements of this leadership.” Chinebas-Dindial said a TTUTA, under her leadership, will pursue vigorously negotiations for the 2014-2017 collective agreement through effective research and sound negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer.

“We will be working towards increased benefits for our membership especially our retirees,” she added.

Engaging stakeholders to ensure that matters affecting education are dealt with in a timely fashion will be among the union’s to-do list, Chinebas- Dindial said.

“We will be proactive and reactive when necessary,” she said.

Cognisant of the fact that teachers are under increasing levels of scrutiny, Chinebas-Dindial said the union would take the “necessary aggressive steps” to promote teacher professionalism.

She told Sunday Newsday: “The education sector needs change if we are to mould the students to face the realities of the society in which we live. Training for teachers must be aligned to their needs so as to equip them with the skills to deliver to their students.” Painting a somewhat gloomy picture of aspects of the sector, Chinebas- Dindial proposed measures to streamline, more effectively, its operations.

“We are in ‘crisis’ when it comes to resources, infrastructure and workload,” she said.

“TTUTA has been lobbying for non-contact time for primary school teachers for years. Many schools have not received furniture for years. Repairs have been minimal and schools are being housed in facilities which have numerous health and safety issues.” She also said the curriculum must cater to the needs of all students.

“Careful thought needs to be had in terms of the enactment of the curriculum content,” Chinebas-Dindial said.

“Consistent guidance and evaluation must be provided for the purpose of review and change during the implementation. Change is needed for improvement. TTUTA along with other stakeholders must take part in consultations.” Saying that Team TNT was noted for producing excellent leaders and results, Chinebas-Dindial said she was proud to lead the team.

“There is not a doubt in my mind that victory will be ours because we exude