KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Teaching Council on Friday held its annual Beginning Teachers’ Synergy Conference at the Mico University College in Kingston.

Currently 15 teacher training institutions and departments are involved in the mentoring and induction of the Beginning Teachers Programme.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams said every year those institutions train approximately 1,300 new teachers for the system.

“As you step into the classroom, I want you to remember you are not just imparting knowledge, you are nurturing minds fostering dreams and kindling the flame of curiosity,” Williams told the audience.

During the event, the beginning teachers benefitted from discussions in several areas such as professional conduct, administrative responsibilities, effective use of digital tools, challenges and responses in the classroom, and exploring career opportunities.

The Education Minister noted this training aligns with the Ministry’s Transforming Education for National Development (TREND) Programme.

“The commitment you have shown to your professional growth speaks volumes about your dedication to the craft of teaching,” she said.

“(These) are the building blocks that will fortify your foundation as educators in the dynamic landscape of education. Equipped with these skills, you are poised to not just survive, but to thrive,” she added.

In the meantime, 200 teachers were pinned and inducted as mentors under the JTC’s mentorship programme for beginning teachers and teachers returning to the profession after a five-year hiatus. The underpinning goal of the mentorship programme is teacher collaboration that keeps them on the cutting edge of education and ultimately, results in better student outcomes.

The mentorship relationship is a win-win for both mentor and mentee as they learn from each other and grow professionally.

-JIS