Inside Education is a monthly column established by the Ministry and Department of Education. The column showcases various aspects of the education system and provides an inside look at those persons and accomplishments which often go unnoticed.
This month, we feature the Special Education Needs (SEN) Unit at the Orealia Kelly Primary School. When one thinks of this Unit, one person immediately comes to mind: Teacher Carol Webster. Teacher Carol has dedicated approximately twenty years of her teaching career to serving the needs of the children in this Unit and she continues to give her best every single day. She finds joy in being able to help the children and seeing the progress that they make because of her efforts and those of the other teachers and assistants in the Unit. Currently, Teacher Carol is supported in the SEN Unit by Teacher Celestine (retired Principal) and two Teaching Assistants – Teacher Shinelle and Teacher Wanda.
The cozy and cheerful environment in the SEN Unit at the Orealia Kelly Primary School is the perfect setting for addressing the needs of students with severe learning disabilities. The day normally begins with circle time where the children pray and sing. They discuss the calendar and the weather, introduce themselves and discuss the theme for the week. The students are taught life skills, Math, Literacy, Science, Social Studies. A very practical approach is taken to learning. The Unit has a small kitchen and the children engage in fun activities in the Cooking To Learn programme which teaches them to listen carefully, follow instructions, make simple treats and practice comprehension skills. They also go on nature walks and tours which bring to life what is being taught in other subject areas. It should be noted, however, that how they are taught and the depth of the areas covered are very different for each child.
The children at the SEN Unit each follows an individual education plan (IEP) which is tailor-made to suit his/her particular needs and developmental challenges. This means that each child works at his/ her own pace to achieve his/her unique educational goals. Teacher Carol is enthusiastic about showcasing her students’ work and the progress they have made since being in the Unit. Though humble in spirit, she beams with pride when she speaks about their individual achievements. At the unit, a reward system is in place to celebrate the students’ achievements. In addition to stickers, there is a rewards box full of items that children can earn. They are also treated to ice cream and other goodies when they excel.
The efforts of all the teachers in the SEN Unit must be recognized and applauded. They all work tirelessly to support the students in their learning. However, Teacher Carol’s length of service, her obvious dedication and commitment, make her a stalwart in this Unit. Not only is her training at SUNY Cobleskill an asset to the Unit, but the warmth that exudes in the environment at the unit can be attributed to her motherly approach in treating all the children with love, and demonstrating patience and compassion. The children feel her comforting presence and they love her in return. When asked why they love Teacher Carol, their unhesitant responses included: “She is fun!”, “She makes me feel happy,” and “She is kind to me.” What better testimony can there be for the worth of a teacher than the love and admiration of her students.
The Ministry and Department of Education commend the work being done at the SEN Unit at the Orealia Kelly Primary School. Sincere thanks and appreciation are extended to all the teachers at the Unit for a job well done.
If you are interested in making a contribution to the SEN Unit at the Orealia Kelly Primary School, please contact Principal Teacher Paula Etienne at the school.
