LASCO continues to honour the heart of Jamaica’s education system
Published:Tuesday | December 3, 2024 | 8:59 AM
LASCO Chin Foundation (LCF), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skill, Youth and Information (MoEYI) and the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), will host the 2024 Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards on Friday, December 6.
Under the theme ‘Challenges there are, but excellence prevails’, the event will shine a spotlight on exceptional educators, recognising their unwavering dedication and resilience in shaping the future of Jamaica’s education system.
Speaking about the theme of this year’s awards, Professor Rosalea Hamilton, CEO of the LASCO Chin Foundation, remarked, “There is so much to admire about our nation’s teachers. Despite the numerous challenges they face, they continue to give their all to Jamaica’s education system – consistently pouring knowledge and valuable life lessons into the minds of our youth, while rising above obstacles to inspire and motivate positive change for the future.
She continued, “Each year, I look forward to the process of selecting our awardees and learning more about their incredible contributions. ‘Challenges there are, but excellence prevails’ perfectly encapsulates the resilience of our teachers, not only this year but throughout the years.”
The LASCO programme, which was inaugurated in 1997 with the ‘Teacher of the Year Awards’, expanded to include the Principal of the Year and TVET Teacher of the Year categories in 2006 and 2019, respectively.
Last year 130 educators were honoured, and this year, approximately 125 educators from across the island have participated in a rigorous interview process with a panel of judges. From these interviews, nine educators – three from each category – were selected for the top honours.
The winners will receive a total prize package of $525,000 in cash, presented via LASCO Gold Card courtesy of LASCO Money. Each winner will also have the opportunity to attend the prestigious Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Conference, scheduled for June next year in Texas, United States, to further their professional development.
“LCF remains steadfast in its support of these remarkable professionals who are truly the heart of our nation’s growth and development,” added Professor Hamilton.
The nine finalists for the LASCO/MoEYI/JTC Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards titles include:
TEACHERS:
Casmina Bryan – Senior educator, grade supervisor, and team leader at Manchester High School
Elecia Francis-Davis – Acting senior teacher and literacy coordinator at May River Primary School, St Mary
Sashane Stone-Goldbourne – Head of the Languages Department at Aberdeen High School, St Elizabeth
TVET TEACHERS: Nadia Jones – Head of the Business Department at Carron Hall High School in St Mary Shaneil Davis Brown –Teacher at Bridgeport High School in Portmore, St Catherine
Tracy-Ann Hall – Master teacher at Automotive Technology in St Andrew
PRINCIPALS:
Dr Lavern Stewart – Principal at Anchovy High School, St James
Nadine Gayle Little – Principal at Beulah All Age and Infant Department, Clarendon
Sheldon Thomas – Principal of Ferncourt High School, St Ann
The awards ceremony will also feature a distinguished keynote speaker, Dr Adrian Stokes, who brings a wealth of expertise in investment management, corporate strategy, and education. As the CEO of Qantas Capital, Dr Stokes, has built a strong track record in financial services and his leadership extends to his role as Chair of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee (ETOC), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping educational reforms.
With his extensive background and commitment to advancing education, Dr Stokes adds to the excitement surrounding this year’s event, making it one that LASCO and the education community eagerly anticipate.
“As 2024 LASCO/MoEYI/JTC Teacher, TVET Teacher and Principal of the Year Awards approaches, anticipation continues to build to celebrate the excellence of Jamaica’s educators,” the organisers noted.
“The event is not only a recognition of their invaluable contributions to the nation’s education but also an opportunity to inspire others in the field. LASCO remains committed to supporting and empowering teachers and principals, whose tireless efforts are shaping the future of Jamaica.”