Erdiston willing to meet teachers in schools as part of reform push

Erdiston Teachers’ College is ramping up efforts to support education reform by delivering professional development directly to teachers in schools.

The initiative was announced by Deputy Principal Francis Thompson during the college’s graduation ceremony on Saturday at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Thompson said the college is committed to meeting teachers where they are, in the classroom, to ensure they have access to tools and techniques vital to improving student outcomes.

Over the past year, Erdiston designed and delivered more than 100 workshops that covered areas such as assessment, information technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). However, participation has been lower than expected.

“Participation in these workshops has been dismal when one examines what would be required as we attempt to reform our educational system,” Thompson said, adding that the college’s staff remain ready to provide training sessions within schools to meet specific challenges.

Erdiston has also partnered with the National Transformation Initiative to offer more than 100 short courses through the 21st Century Educators Hub and Coursera. With support from the Commonwealth of Learning, the college is currently training staff to develop self-directed learning modules.

Additionally, the college will introduce two certificate courses in partnership with the Gordon Institute for Advanced Study at Teachers College, Columbia University. These are set to begin in September 2025 and will focus on leadership and teacher efficacy in the classroom.

Physical education teachers will also benefit from upcoming training under the National Coaching Certification Programme, facilitated by the Barbados Olympic Association. The sessions aim to promote increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles among students.

During Saturday’s graduation ceremony, close to 200 students graduated. Thompson congratulated the cohort and reminded them of the lasting impact of their work.

“Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about influence, the kind of influence that tells a child ‘you matter’, that says to a struggling learner, ‘try again’, and that affirms to a community that education is our goal.”

Valedictorian Shaunette Small received her special award from Professor Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz.

Shaunette Small of the Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership programme presented the valedictory address, while the feature address was delivered by Professor Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz of Columbia University. (STT)