Education officers encouraged to foster spirit of collaboration in schools

Education officers are being called on to foster a spirit of collaboration within schools as they prepare for the start of the 2024-2025 academic year in September.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams made the call while addressing the Jamaica Association of Education Officers’ (JAEO) 60th Anniversary Banquet and Inauguration Ceremony last Thursday at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St James.

She noted that partnership in the sector is important in creating a supportive ecosystem for students, deemed essential for driving meaningful change and improving academic outcomes.

“To rise beyond the challenges, collaboration is key. Education is a collective endeavour, and the success of the mission depends on the strength of partnerships. We must work closely with school leaders, community, business leaders, the church community and parents to create a supportive ecosystem for students,” the minister stated.

She added that, “together, we can build innovative programmes, advocate for necessary sources, and drive meaningful change … [as] the future depends on all of us.”

In the meantime, Williams expressed gratitude to past and current members of the JAEO for their tireless efforts in laying the foundation for the organisation’s success over its 60 years.

She encouraged the current cohort of education officers to continue building on this legacy while remaining open to “flipping the script” and embracing new opportunities.

Melissa Lunan-McTavish, newly elected president of the JAEO, in her remarks, pointed out that the association’s members have an extended role in collaborating on ideas to improve the quality of education for students.

“We are 167 members strong, 167 brilliant minds with ideas shared, and even more ideas to be heard, to improve the quality of life of students and, by extension, the nation,” she said.

Lunan-McTavish underscored the indispensable role of education officers in policy development, curriculum design and infrastructure planning.

“Without you, education officers, there is no policy written, no curriculum written, there is no infrastructure plan or project written. As your president, I intend to mark my tenure by vigorously defending the rights and worth of all members of the JAEO,” she said.

The ceremony was held under the theme: ‘60 and Strong: Reflecting and Rising Beyond’.