Teachers in Anguilla received a boost for their dedicated service and hard work following their Annual Union Conference which had as its theme “Stand Up For Teachers”. That theme was coined for the observance of World Teachers’ Day and was also adopted by the teachers in Anguilla.
The October 5 Conference, at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium, was very well attended. It was also the teachers’ first major meeting since they complained, several months ago, about their financial situation worsened by salary cuts and taxation.
Minister of Education, Edison Baird, described the theme as compelling and challenging to Governments, unions and the wider community to better support teachers. “All of us would agree that teachers are nation builders, far more so than any other group of professionals,” Mr. Baird observed. “Yet, it sometimes seems that in countries the world over, teachers have had to fight more than any other professional group for better pay, better working conditions and opportunities for professional development and advancement. While we must admit that, in Anguilla, through the combined efforts of the Teachers’ Union and successive Governments, teachers are in a much better position than many around the region…”
Mr.Baird continued: “I believe some strides have been made in ensuring that teachers’ salaries are commensurate with the high expectations placed on the profession. I also believe that the Department of Education must be commended for continuing to provide access to training and opportunities for your on-going development. However, I am fully aware that many of you are working in less than ideal conditions.
“There may be many improvements that need to be made to our school environments. The unfortunate reality is that we are hamstrung by the lack of the financial wherewithal to address many of these needs. Capital budgets have been slashed because of Government’s need to reduce expenditure. While the economy struggles, the needs of our schools continue to grow. At Ministerial level we do what we can, with the little that we have, to address the most urgent needs, while lobbying non-Government entities for assistance.”
Mr. Baird noted that despite the above challenges, many teachers continued to demonstrate their commitment to improving student performance and attracting the support of communities to improve their schools. He thanked the teachers for their unwavering dedication and for their patience and understanding at a time of economic crisis.
In a rallying address, Anguilla Teachers’ Union President, Emma Ferguson, told her colleagues that if they wanted people to stand up for them, they must first learn to stand together and to demonstrate a spirit of excellence. She also had a strong word for Government and other stakeholders: “Stand up for us so that we don’t have to stand against you. Stand with us, the anchor of this nation!” she exclaimed.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Leroy Hill who, among other appointments, is the Director of Humanities and Education at the Anguilla Community College and Facilitator of the UWI Open Campus.
The former member of the Teachers’ Union Executive, spoke on the topic: “Teachers Standing in the Gap.” He said that the fundamental reason for persons serving in the teaching profession was because they saw themselves as “change-makers; innovators and orchestrators.”
He made the point that teachers were required to set standards, aspire to high expectations that in turn would inspire and motivate all learners. He stated that teachers were responsible for creating a personal environment in the classroom thus making learning a personal aim for students. “We are called as teachers to adopt and to respond to the different abilities of students,” Dr. Hill added.
Other speakers were Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Rhonda Connor; President of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School Student Government Association, Shamar Gaskins; and Second Vice President of the Teachers’ Union, Michael Skellekie who gave the Vote of Thanks.
The conference also included reports on the functioning of the Teachers’ Union by the Treasurer, Ms. Eva Hodge, and General Secretary, Mrs.Lovelle Cockburn.
