A teacher’s journey of inspiring a worldview

As a geography teacher with nearly a decade of experience and a degree in geography education, I’ve seen how this subject does more than educate – it transforms lives. Geography is not just a classroom subject, it’s a gateway to the real world.

This Geography Awareness Week, I reflect on the immense benefits of this field, the diverse careers it offers, and the life-changing opportunities it creates for students.

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching geography is taking students outside the classroom and into the world they are learning about. Over the years, I have organised countless field trips that have brought lessons to life – hiking through Jamaica’s Blue Mountains, exploring urban development in Kingston, or studying coastal erosion along the island’s beaches.

These trips are more than excursions. They are immersive learning experiences. Students see the theory they have learned in class come alive as they observe landscapes, interact with communities, and analyse human-environment interactions. Field trips bridge the gap between the textbook and the real world, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for geography.

A degree in geography opens a world of career opportunities. While many think of urban planners or GIS specialists, the possibilities are far broader. Over the years, I have guided students who have gone on to pursue careers as meteorologists, environmental consultants, disaster management specialists, and even cartographers.

Teaching geography is itself a fulfilling career, and I take pride in encouraging students to follow this path. Geography educators are crucial in shaping future generations to understand the complexities of our world. Additionally, many of my past students have become hydrologists, climate scientists, and even tourism planners, contributing to Jamaica’s economic development.

Geography is also a stepping stone to scholarships and global opportunities. I have proudly watched many of my students earn full scholarships to study geography and related fields, both locally and internationally. These opportunities not only validate the importance of the subject but also demonstrate its power to unlock doors and change lives.

FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING

Geography is not confined to careers; it’s a discipline that equips students to navigate everyday life. It teaches critical thinking and decision-making, whether analysing weather patterns for safe travel, choosing sustainable practices, or understanding global issues like migration and trade.

It also fosters empathy and cultural awareness. By studying the diversity of human experiences and environments, students gain a broader perspective of the world, making them better global citizens.

Teaching geography has been a journey of connecting young minds to the world around them. Watching students discover the beauty and complexity of the planet – whether on a field trip or during a lesson – is deeply fulfilling. Geography is not just about understanding the Earth; it’s about understanding our place within it and our responsibility to care for it.

Geography Awareness Week is a time to celebrate a subject that is as dynamic as the world itself. It equips students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to excel academically, professionally, and personally.

As a teacher, I have seen students blossom into scholars, professionals, and changemakers. Many of them, inspired by their geography lessons and field experiences, have gone on to make significant contributions to their fields and communities.

Geography is not just a subject – it’s a lens to view the world, a bridge to meaningful careers, and a foundation for lifelong learning.

This week, let us celebrate its power to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of global citizens.

Leroy Fearon is acting dean, Faculty of Education at The Mico University College, a geography specialist, and co-author of ‘Exploring Geography Book 2’. Email feedback to editorial@gleanerjm.com.