Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
ST. PETERS--Primary and secondary public school teachers attended informative professional development sessions on "creating a positive climate in schools" August 10 and 11 at St. Dominic High School.
The event was part of the annual teachers' conference hosted by St. Maarten Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD). The first day focused on primary educators, and the second on secondary educators.
Participants were welcomed by ASCD President Juliana Hodge-Shipley and received a keynote address by Tracelyn Hamilton of Anguilla, a primary school principal who graduated from University of Bristol with distinction with a Masters in Education for Teaching English and has previously held roles as classroom teacher, reading recovery teacher, numeracy coordinator, English as a second language (ESL) teacher, and a tutor for Differentiated Instruction.
Hamilton focused on the conference theme "creating a positive climate in schools" by honing in on practical tips which she termed "reflectors" for creating and maintaining a positive school environment. "As educators we are indeed a vital contributor to the climate of our schools – knowingly or unknowingly."
"Reflectors" suggested were to enhance the physical environment, exude enthusiasm, promote positive students' attitudes, promote fun, emphasize growth, set and maintain standards, be inventive and creative, help and support colleagues, and champion respect and acceptance.
Hamilton added that trust, communication and a sense of family were essential pillars for a positive climate.
"The importance of our influence on the school climate cannot be over-emphasised... Too often we see our role in education as exclusively imparters of subject matter. We under-value the importance of our role as allies and trusted adults, and the impact that maintaining positive relationships has on students' attendance, behaviour and performance, and by extension, school success," she said.
The event on either day continued with sessions on a variety of topics including health; using technology in and out of the classroom; bullying; integrated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) project-based learning; motivation and dyslexia.
Presenters were Shermina Powell Richardson, Angie Prince, Clara George, Eileen Healy, Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, Minerva Maccow, Vanina Lozandier, Dr. Virginia Asin Oostburg, Josien van Wijk, Georgiane Adriana Henriquez, Claudia Connor, Saskia Kliphuis, Alphonso Missoudan, Mirahdal Mendiola, Leandra Honore, Love of Kids Foundation, Peter Mazereeuw, Marcus Nicolaas, Lorraine Leacock, Amissa President, Patti Maier, Tamara Groeneveldt, and Xiomara Balentina.
Most presenters are locally based, fall under various government ministries and other organisations, and are professionals within their respective fields such as linguistics, counselling and health.
ASCD is a non-profit organisation with a mission to provide professional advancement and leadership for quality education on St. Maarten.
