6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22 – Ten teachers in Barbados who exemplify excellence will be honoured the title of Royal Fidelity National Distinguished Teacher at the inaugural awards to be held next year.
Earlier today the Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank and Trust (Barbados) Limited, in association with the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), spoke of plans for this new community initiative.
The awards are open to both the public and private teaching sectors, and nominations will be accepted for nursery, primary, secondary, as well as tertiary level and special needs teachers. Teachers must be full-time classroom teachers employed in Barbados’ educational system and have at least five years’ teaching experience as of January 1, 2011, to qualify. Award-winning teachers will receive BDS$2 000 and also a $1 000 Professional Enhancement Grant.
Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Ronald Jones says: “Any opportunity to highlight or bring into focus those positive and outstanding aspects of what our teachers do daily must be encouraged.”
Karen Best, president of the Barbados Union of Teachers says: “Barbados’ educational system has demonstrated its capacity for producing outstanding students …There are so many positives that come out of this initiative. At last the public will be reminded of the importance of teachers, and teachers will be able to reflect on their commitment and dedication, with the knowledge that these attributes will be rewarded”.(LK)
