Top Educator Building a Legacy of Transformation, One Student at a Time

In classrooms where equations meet encouragement and technology unlocks new horizons, Dorette Rhoden-Henry has quietly shaped a legacy—one student, one success story at a time.

With 31 years in the education sector, the Mathematics and Information Technology teacher at deCarteret College in Manchester now proudly holds the title of LASCO/Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information/Jamaica Teaching Council 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Yet, for Mrs. Rhoden-Henry, the recognition is not a pinnacle, but “a continuation of what I’ve been doing all my life.”

Her journey in education began immediately after high school, when then-Principal, Michael Leslie, invited her to join the staff at Preston Land Primary School in St. Mary. What started as an opportunity soon became a calling.

“It was there that I discovered, not just a profession, but a purpose,” she told JIS News.

Recognising the transformative power of education, Mrs. Rhoden-Henry pursued formal training at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, where she earned a Diploma in Education, before completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona.

That sense of purpose has guided her through decades of service, from her time at Brimmer Vale High School in St. Mary to her current role at deCarteret College.

Mrs. Rhoden-Henry shared that before introducing a math concept, she makes a deliberate effort to learn about her students and their interest in the subject.

Her approach recognises that learning is deeply personal. “Students come to us with various experiences, and everything shapes what they are able to take from a lesson,” Mrs. Rhoden-Henry explained.

Inside her classroom, learning is dynamic and inclusive, as she works tirelessly to ensure that every learner is reached.

“There might be a PowerPoint in the Google Classroom, a video, as well as notes—because students learn in different ways,” Mrs. Rhoden-Henry explained.

For students who question the relevance of mathematics, she offers a bold challenge: “Even if you think the subject itself is not important, find one aspect of your life that does not involve math—and I will pay you.”

Mrs. Rhoden-Henry’s impact extends beyond the walls of deCarteret College. At Richmond Primary School in St. Mary, she volunteers her time to help strengthen numeracy skills among grade six students.

“I was able to transform the math programme, and most of the students were placed in traditional high schools,” she said.

Within deCarteret College, Mrs. Rhoden-Henry is equally influential. She collaborates with a team of Information Technology (IT) specialists to support staff and students in effectively integrating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools to enhance teaching and learning.

“In addition, I serve on the school’s curriculum team, where I work closely with colleagues to guide third form students through the critical transition to fourth form. In this role, I assist students in making informed subject selections that align with their abilities, interests and long-term career aspirations,” she explained.

Mrs. Rhoden-Henry acknowledged that balancing her roles as educator, wife, and mother has at times been challenging.

“But I have understanding children and a supportive husband. I’m sure they will not agree that I did such a good job of balancing when they were younger… but now they can appreciate it,” she said of her two adult daughters.

The seasoned educator’s honesty reveals the quiet sacrifices behind a life of service, as well as the enduring support that has sustained her along the way.

She has received numerous awards throughout her years of service, the most recent being Head of Department of the Year in 2023, the Award of Excellence in Education from the Custos Rotulorum for Manchester, Hon. Garfield Green, in October 2025, and the distinguished Teacher of the Year title.

At the core, Mrs. Rhoden-Henry’s work is driven by something deeper than recognition or reward—it is about transformation.

“Being a teacher is an opportunity to transform lives and to watch people grow into their purpose,” she said.