Maths is in My DNA!

Cameka Ingram knew very early in life that she wanted to be a teacher, and specifically a teacher of mathematics.

Her favourite childhood memories are of playing shop with her friends and selling them pretend items.

“I would put soil in bags and sell to them and even give them back change. From then, I knew maths was in my DNA,” she tells JIS News during an interview.

On April 15, the little girl from the farming community of Cedar Valley in St. Ann, who grew up loving maths, was named the 2024 Mathematics Teacher of the Year by the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY).

It was the highlight of her journey as an educator, which began at Farm Heights United Basic School in St. James where she served as principal for three years.

She is currently teacher and coordinator for grade three at Green Pond Primary and Infant School in the parish.

She is also assigned duties as a senior teacher and school-based assessment coordinator, serves on the mathematics and disciplinary committees, is a leader of the school’s 4-H Club, and is also in charge of the track and field programme.

With two decades of teaching experience under her belt, Ms. Ingram’s dedication to her craft and innovative teaching methods are exemplary.

Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her students’ success are evident in every aspect of her work.

She emphasises the importance of interactive learning experiences, incorporating games and hands-on activities to explain mathematics, and creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them.

This approach is not only to reduce students’ fear of the subject but to also foster an appreciation of the subject.

Beyond the classroom, she supports her colleagues by sharing best practices, and serving as a mentor for those seeking to enhance their teaching skills.

She actively engages in professional development workshops, stays abreast of the latest educational strategies, and collaborates with regional mathematics coaches to continually improve her craft.

Ms. Ingram credits her parents, especially her mother, her three sons and her humble upbringing, as the driving force behind her success.

She tells JIS News that her intrinsic motivation and unwavering self-belief as a winner have propelled her forward in the profession and in copping the Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award.

In preparation for the competition, Ms. Ingram carefully planned her lessons, conducted research, and sought advice from fellow educators and specialists.

As Ms. Ingram revels in the honour of being named Mathematics Teacher of the Year, she remains grounded and humble, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of her students.

Her advice to fellow educators echoes her own journey – “continue working towards your dreams, embrace lifelong learning, and share your knowledge generously to inspire others”.

Principal of the Green Pond Primary and Infant School, Venessa Addison, tells JIS News that the school is proud of Ms. Ingram.

“She is a shining example of excellence in the field of mathematics education and her impact on students and colleagues alike is truly inspiring,” she says.

Meanwhile, Mathematics Coach assigned to Region Four of the MOEY, Damelia Johnson, tells JIS News that she has had the privilege of closely observing Ms. Ingram’s teaching methods over the past five years.

“Each time I witness her in action, I am impressed by the evident evolution and refinement in her instructional techniques. This growth is a testament to her receptiveness to feedback and her commitment to ongoing professional development. “She epitomises the qualities of a good teacher. She is meticulousness, dedicated, exhibits exemplary time-management skills and has insatiable drive for continuous improvement,” Ms. Johnson says.

A graduate of the York Castle High School in St. Ann, Ms. Ingram pursued tertiary studies at the Sam Sharp Teachers’ College in St. James, where she attained a diploma and a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education, and the Western Carolina University in the United States, where the obtained a master’s degree in Education and Supervision.

The Mathematics Teacher of the Year Award is part of activities for National Mathematics Week, which was inaugurated in 2012 as part of the National Mathematics Programme.

It is designed to underscore the vital role of mathematics in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and academic excellence across various disciplines.

This year’s competition received an overwhelming response, with 60 nominations from primary and secondary schools across the MOEY’s seven regions.

Following a rigorous selection process, 57 regional semi-finalists were identified, each showcasing exceptional dedication and proficiency in teaching mathematics.

After a series of shortlisting, Ms. Ingram emerged the winner and was presented the coveted trophy, a certificate, and cash prize.

Ms. Ingram was also recognised as having the best student-centred lesson in the competition.

The Jamaica National (JN) has been sponsoring the National Mathematics Teacher of the Year Competition since its inception.