(CMR) In recognition of World Teachers' Day, Minister of Education Juliana O'Connor-Connolly has expressed appreciation to the Cayman Islands' teachers for the exceptional work they do.
“As we celebrate World Teachers' Day, I express my sincerest appreciation for the exceptional work done by our nation's teachers in shaping the minds of our children and young people,” she said.
“Mark Van Doren, a celebrated American scholar, once said, ‘The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.' These words serve as a poignant reminder that you, as teachers, do more than impart knowledge; you illuminate the path to a world filled with endless possibilities,” she added.
The Minister also took time to address a pressing concern: global teacher shortage.
“While we welcomed 137 new educators to our public schools this past August, we are mindful of our increasing challenges in attracting high-quality teachers. The imperative to reverse this worldwide trend is unmistakable,” she stated.
O'Connor-Connolly said teachers are the very heart and soul of the educational system and should be invested in and remunerated well.
“We recognized the paramount importance of valuing our classroom teachers by enhancing their remuneration packages. The results of this have been evident in our schools' vibrant and dynamic learning environments and the profoundly positive impact on the lives of our students,” she said.
“In addition, my team and I are diligently working to provide revised compensation packages for administrators and assistant teachers. This marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that every member of our educational community feels cherished and supported,” she added.
She said the cost of living here in the Cayman Islands has posed challenges in attracting educators, but she is optimistic that viable solutions can be found. She pointed to the 37 newly qualified Caymanian educators who recently joined the education system.
“Today, as we commemorate World Teacher's Day, let us all take a moment to reflect upon the global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage and unite in our steadfast commitment to provide the education our students so rightfully deserve,” the Minister added.
Your influence knows no bounds, and your impact is immeasurable. Thank you for being the teachers we need to create the education we aspire to,” Minister O'Connor-Connolly said.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid