Teaching an Act of Love for Novette Christian

For more than 35 years, veteran educator Novette Nerida Christian has been shaping young minds and transforming lives with love, compassion and an unshakeable dedication to the teaching profession.

With a childhood influenced by role models, she tells JIS News that her love for teaching began at an early age, noting that she was inspired by her teachers at the Manchionel All-Age School in Portland.

“Mrs. Phillips, who was the principal and Mrs. Berry, my class teacher, inspired me. Back then, Mrs. Berry taught everything. Their dedication planted a seed in me,” she says.

Outstanding educators at Happy Grove and Titchfield High schools, where she completed her secondary education, further fueled her aspirations.

After high school, Mrs. Christian attended the Vocational Training Development Institute (VTDI) before pursuing further studies at the University of Technology (UTech), Northern Caribbean University (NCU), and Central Connecticut University in the United States (US).

Other than a brief part-time stint at the Boys’ Town Vocational Centre, Mrs. Christian has dedicated her entire teaching career at the Denham Town High School in Kingston, where she currently serves as Vice Principal.

She started as a teacher of science, social studies and home economics for the lower school (grades 7-9), and moved through the ranks, serving as a guidance counsellor before being appointed Head of Department and Vice Principal in 2012.

Between 2014 and 2015, Mrs. Christian was seconded to the Ministry of Education as Senior Technical Development Officer in the Career Advancement Programme (CAP).

Mrs. Christian’s contribution to education extends beyond academics.

For more than 20 years, she has also been preparing students at Denham Town High to enter the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Culinary Arts Competition.

Under her guidance, the institution has been crowned the top school in Kingston and St. Andrew for 10 consecutive years. Her long-standing involvement with the JCDC also includes formulating recipes and serving as a Culinary Arts Adjudicator for more than a decade, a role she maintains.

In addition to coordinating various clubs, events, and committees at school, she oversees the planning and oversight of activities in areas such as entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), information and communications technology (ICT), career development, and classroom communication. She was also in charge of the school’s 4-H club.

Mrs. Christian has developed and implemented school curricula, with an emphasis on boys’ learning styles, as well as a programme called ‘Operation LEARN’.

She has also established the Porridge Kitchen to help with meals for students, developed a policy for recognition and reward of staff and students, as well as the Yard-to-Yard initiative to reach students who needed help during the pandemic.

For her years of outstanding contribution, Mrs. Christian was among 79 educators awarded the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education (PMMAE), during a ceremony held earlier this month at Jamaica House.

“Being recognised by the Prime Minister for my contribution to education is a great honour and a meaningful validation of my efforts,” she tells JIS News.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Christian has experienced memorable moments that reaffirm her calling. One such memory is of a former student, once considered a troublemaker, who became the valedictorian and invited her to take a bow at graduation.

“That moment encouraged me to continue pouring hope into all my students,” she shares.

Mrs. Christian is always looking to help young people inside and outside of the classroom.

One impactful action she has taken is assisting a 19-year-old mother of three to pursue her education, including financing her subjects.

Today, the young lady is a nurse in the United States, thriving and giving back, a testament to the educator’s enduring mentorship. Novette Nerida Christian’s story is one of unwavering commitment, compassion, and hope. Her journey exemplifies the profound influence a dedicated teacher can have not just on individual students but on society at large.

As she continues to inspire, her legacy is a reminder that education is a powerful tool for change and that genuine love for teaching can transform lives.

“I believe teachers play a vital role beyond academics. They instil values like honesty, respect and responsibility and I do hope my students carry these virtues throughout their lives,” Mrs. Christian shares with JIS News, while advocating for a flexible, inclusive, and well-supported education system that prepares learners for real-world challenges.

Her advice for future educators is “to do it for love, not for money. Know your students, treat them like family and pursue continuous learning. Teaching is a vocation rooted in purpose, character, and compassion”.

Beyond education, Mrs. Christian serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP), Restorative Justice Facilitator and Mediator.

She is an active participant in hospital and prison ministries, is a Doping Control Officer with the Jamaica Anti-doping Commission (JADCO), is the Founder of the ‘Someone Cares’ Foundation, which caters to the elderly and persons in need, and is a former executive member of the Citizens Advice Bureau.

She is also an active member of the Portmore Church of God, serving in several capacities, including as a Sunday school teacher.

After more than 30 years in education, Mrs. Christian remains motivated by her faith, celebrating small successes, and maintaining strong connections with her students.

“Living by the word of God and reflecting on my purpose keep me going,” she tells JIS News.