About 108 education officers are currently undergoing two weeks of training in Dominica. The event was the initiative of the government, the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) and the Canadian Teachers Federation. Chief Education Officer Melena Fontaine leads the local teachers, and Catharine Inglis leads the delegation of the Canadian Teachers Federation.
Ms. Fontaine told participants to up their game when it comes to classroom teaching. She told the gathering educators that they can’t afford to remain backward where their students are concerned. She encouraged teachers to always engage in continuous professional development and keep abreast of the knowledge and advances in their fields.
“Yesterday, the paper and the pencil and the chalkboard may have been sufficient,” Fontaine said. “But today, you need to be familiar with the whiteboard, the smartboard, Google…and some of the other platforms available to the students for online learning.”
The chief education officer made it clear that it is the duty of teachers to encourage students to read books, write using pen and paper, as well as engage in vocal interactions.
You also have to help them to understand that it’s okay to read a book on Kindle, to write emails, and to talk to each other using WhatsApp, Twitter, and all the others. You have to help them to understand the question of when and why.
Melena Fontaine: Chief Education Officer
Team leader Catharine Inglis said the Canadian delegation had come to programme because they are passionate about their profession – just like the attendees.
“We all want to do out best, and overcome diverse problems that arise in our teething situation,” Inglis said. “We all dream of finding success in our private and professional lives. And we dream that our students will also find that success. We have heard time and time again, both from Dominicans living abroad and from many of you here – the message that education is highly valued here in Dominica. Our goal is to continue to support teachers here in upholding this lofty ideal.”
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