Education Ministry establishes best teacher award
Who among us, no matter what age, does not remember their favourite teacher? If the Ministry of Education has its way, Belize’s top educators will be remembered in more than just their students’ hearts. Ann-Marie reports from the ceremonies marking Teacher’s Day.
Ann-Marie Williams, Reporting
Teachers travelled from all over the country to meet at the Belize City Centre this morning for a special ceremony in their honour–it’s Teacher’s Day. While they left behind their reading and writing skills they brought with them art and culture.
Keynote speaker, Anglican Bishop Sylvester Romero reminded teachers of their importance in moulding better minds and communities.
Bishop Sylvester Romero
“There are men and women who take the time, who make the sacrifice, to prepare themselves adequately. The lack of adequate preparation of our teachers produce poor students, and the end result only creates a dysfunctional society. These men and women who serve in the preparation of our children and also other young adults for a healthy society, take it seriously.”
And in order for teachers to appreciate the seriousness of the profession, Education Minister Cordel Hyde says teachers will now have a reason to want to be the best. He launched the annual teacher’s award.
Cordel Hyde, Min. of Education
“To be nominated for this prestigious award, a person must have only a minimum of five years teaching experience. Because I believe it is not how long you have taught, but how effective you have been. You must demonstrate leadership in your school, service to the community, dedication to your students, and innovation in the classroom. You must be patriotic and professional. Simply put, that teacher must be the best. There will be only one teacher of the year selected. There can be only one champion at a time. Each district co-ordinated by the regional education council of that district will have four candidates for this award. The best teacher of the respective district, from pre-school, primary, secondary and tertiary. Now some people will argue that we can’t compare a pre-school teacher with a sixth form teacher, but I beg to differ. I think quality teachers have certain things in common, whether they teach at primary, secondary or tertiary. Of course these twenty-four finalists will be given prizes, but as I said before, they will be only one teacher of the year, to be announced at an impressive banquet on the occasion of the International Teachers Day, October fifth, 2001.”
Ann-Marie Williams for News 5.
Hyde says the Ministry of Education is starting with a seven thousand five hundred dollar cash prize and a scholarship to U.B. for the outstanding teacher of the year.
