Do not allow the pandemic to dampen your zeal or quench your spirit, says JTA President

Fellow educators, I am Winston R. Smith, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association. Today, I join with the world in celebrating the work and worth of educators on this 5th day of October 2021, which has been marked as World Teachers’ Day under the theme, Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery. This day has been set aside to recognize educators globally as we acknowledge the importance of educators to nation building and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was Barack Obama who said “From the moment students enter a school, the most important factor in their success is not the colour of their skin or the income of their parents. It’s the person standing at the front of the classroom.” This thought from former President Obama, still remain relevant and of fundamental importance especially in this dispensation, when the world is battling this pandemic.

Covid-19 has not spared us as a profession as it continues to wreak havoc on us. However, our teachers, who are front and center of the recovery process, have stood the test of time and have pivoted to online teaching in an effort to ensure that our precious students-future nation builders-, are not significantly impacted negatively.
It is unfortunate that many of our colleagues have lost the battle with Covid-19 and we take the opportunity on this World Teachers Day to honour their memory, their life and work. Colleagues all, the Jamaica Teachers Association salutes you, for being the consummate professionals that you are especially amidst the many challenges. We as educators truly appreciate the words of Malcom X who said that “education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today”.

As educators we truly comprehend the value of education as it is from our relentless and unselfish efforts that all professions strive and continues to excel. Without the contribution of educators the world will crumble to naught.

Hence, I join with Helen Caldicott in saying that “teachers are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affects the fate of the earth”. Fellow educators, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association encourages you to take heart and continue to do that which has been entrusted into your care; that is, the transformation of the minds of our students. Do not allow the pandemic to dampen your zeal or quench your spirit as we push ahead. Indeed the students are depending on us, even if they forget us when they reach their destination.

To those who have lost loved ones and colleagues, may the grace of God comfort your hearts as you endure this difficult time. Those who are in the hospital or at home, being affected by the virus, we pray for your swift and complete recovery. We wait with bated breath for you to join us again in continuing the business of educating the students as we look forward to the recovery of our education system.

Colleagues, a big part of the education recovery will involve us adhering to the safety protocols. We need you be alive and well in order to reap the fruits of your labour. Furthermore, there are vaccines available now that you can take to add some measure of protection from the ravishes of the disease. However, it remains your choice whether or not to take said vaccine. The Jamaica Teachers’ Association supports you in whichever decision you make as we continue to unite and serve. Have a blessed and safe Day.

Again, HAPPY WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY.