Teachers - architects of TT’s future

Williams applauded both principals and teachers present for their dedication to the programme and assured them that they had in fact, gifted their students with the most valuable to for a successful life: literacy.

She said, “The Leading for Literacy Now Project, is perfectly aligned with Republic Bank’s of building successful societies. It sets a foundation, not just for learning, but for sustainable development. What you – both principals and teachers have achieved over this last academic year has been an amazing feat.

As principals and true leaders, you have created a positive learning environment for your teachers and students. As teachers, you’ve expressed a willingness to explore with your kids to read with them, follow a path dimly lit unaware of the dazzling surprise that waited around the bend. Each of you, through your own volition and passion, has gifted your students with the most important tool they’ll ever need in life: the gift of literacy.” Williams added that a teacher affects eternity and no one can tell where their influence stops. “So as we celebrate today, I encourage you to keep striving and understand the need to embrace new and innovative ways for young ones to learn...

Remember, your job title may be teacher, but in reality, you are an architect who’s shaping humanity’s future.” Forty schools participated – including four from Tobago – in the project and teachers received awards in areas such as Teacher of the Year, Most Creative Learning Environment and Use of Innovative Ideas. Winners in the Teacher of the Year Category included Ann-Marie Bishop-James of Scarborough RC and Mauricia John-Ramrattan of Mayaro RC. In the Most Creative Classroom Environment Category, Rachel Gokool-Ali of Pepper Village Government and Natasha Romeo of Las Lomas R.C. received awards. And in the Use of Innovate Ideas Category, Vanessa Williams of Fifth Company Baptist School received an award.

Rose Marie Grant, representative from the Education Ministry and Cheryl Ann Quamina-Baptise of the National Library of Trinidad and Tobago, while scheduled to speak, were not in attendance.