Focus On Teachers October 5

Jamaica will join the rest of the world on Sunday, October 5, in celebrating World Teachers’ Day 2014, under the theme: ‘Invest in the Future, Invest in Teachers’. World Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated annually, was inaugurated on October 5, 1994 by UNESCO and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), but teacher associations at the local level may plan events close to the date. In commemoration of the day, the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), in collaboration with the Education System Transformation Programme (ESTP), will launch its Forum for Innovations In Teaching (FIT), themed: ‘A 21st Century Teacher for a 21st Century Generation – Breaking the Poverty Cycle’. The forum will take place October 10-11 at the National Arena and will feature displays, innovations and the exchange of ideas through seminars and panel discussions. Speaking with JIS News in an interview, Chief Executive Officer of the JTC, Dr. Winsome Gordon, said because teaching is at the core of the education system, the entire Ministry of Education will be involved in the forum.

“The Ministry and its agencies will be on show. There will be two days of innovative educational displays; four dynamic town hall style panel discussions; 28 teacher training workshops; tribute to teachers; kiddies village; car and fashion shows and other entertainment,” Dr. Gordon said. According to Dr. Gordon, special focus will given to the use of technology in education to improve quality and delivery. She also noted that as the forum focuses on breaking the poverty cycle, attention will be given to innovations that will improve educational opportunities for children in poor circumstances.

The two-day event will comprise an exposition and exhibits mounted by teachers and their students, partners in education, the Ministry of Education and its agencies, and each day’s activity will culminate with an awards ceremony. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, and 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11. Entry fees are $500 for adults and $200 for children. Tickets are available at schools islandwide.