Never write off a student, teachers told while being honoured

During an event where some of the territory’s top teachers were honoured last evening (March 14), Minister of Education Myron Walwyn used himself as an example of why educators should never write off students who are under their charge.

Making reference to one of his primary school teachers, an upbeat and reflective Walwyn told the audience of predominantly educators: “I do not think that teacher Adelle Frett would have thought that a tall skinny, disgusting, troublesome little boy at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School would become the education minister of the Virgin Islands…”

“Teachers, the reality of it is that you never know who you might have in your classroom. You never know the contribution of that student that might be able to give to the territory because of your guidance… Nurture, teach, train, challenge every child under your charge, and you will be amazed as to how they blossom – all because of your help,” added Walwyn.

He urged educators to understand that they have the power to effectively shape the British Virgin Islands.

“As educators, you have an opportunity to impact the destiny of the Virgin Islands, and I want to encourage you to be mindful of the power that you have, and I urge you to continue to work diligently to positively impact the lives of your students as we seek to improve the quality of the education that is offered,” Walwyn further said.

He added that teachers’ success in the classroom ultimately determines the success of their students.

The minister made the comments last evening during the annual ‘Teacher of the Year’ award celebration held as part of Education Week activities.

A number of top teachers walked away with cash prizes this year; thanks to members of the business community who responded positively to the education minister’s request for help in awarding some of the leading educators.

The teacher who won each category of the award received $1,000.

Some won more than once during the celebration held at the H Lavity Stoutt Community College.

In addition to cash, the teachers walked away with a variety of other prizes.

While some educators were honoured at that event, four others will be awarded during a gala event on Saturday. The categories for which winners are yet to be announced are: Principal of the Year (Primary), Principal of the Year (Secondary), Teacher of the Year (Primary), and Teacher of the Year (Secondary).

The educators who were awarded last evening are named in the following list provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture: