By Kinisha O'Neill, Staff Reporter 
Rushell Alexander thinks her grade 4 teacher Evangee Chambers is the best. The two are pictured at the Bethabara Book Bashment, organised by Carlong Publishers on April 16. Twelve schools in southern Manchester participated in the day-long book fair. - Carlington Wilmot/Freelance Photographer
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT MRS. CHAMBERS:
"She is quite motherly to her students," says Travert Spence, Principal of Bethabara, about her approach to teaching
"She is my
favourite teacher.
She is very kind," says Rushell Alexander
"The name of my teacher is Mrs. Chambers. My teacher loves us very much," says
Shanice Ferguson, Grade 4
"My favourite teachers
are Mrs. Chambers
and Mrs. Edwards," says Tannoy Beezer, Grade 4
WHEN WE first met Rushell Alexander she was wearing a silver tiara.
The grade 4 student was aglow because she had just been crowned reading queen at the Bethabara Book Bashment.
Still, despite her royal achievement the petite prefect of Bethabara Primary and Junior High was eager to have the Lifestyle team deliver a letter to Dear Aunt Suzie for
publication in The Gleaner's Children's Own. The letter was about her teacher Mrs. Chambers.
While some of the students from the 12 schools that
participated in the book bashment (fair) were bombarding
us with questions, Rushell and a few others had taken a quiet spell to compose their letters.
Our team of five was impressed by the beautifully
crafted letters, but we were particularly taken with Rushell's penmanship, composition and grammar. So impressed were
we that we wanted to meet her teacher. This little girl was so special, she must be a product of exceptional instruction, we thought. So, after a few queries we found her teacher -- Evangee Chambers.
Born and raised in Manchester, Mrs. Chambers has spent the last 33 years as teacher. She has stuck close to home, teaching at several schools in the parish, including Plowden, New Forrest and Kendall All-Age Schools, as well as Porus Infant School, Mt. St. Joseph's Academy and Smith's Prep School.
However, she had not spent her youth dreaming about becoming a teacher. She wanted to be a nurse. "It (teaching) was the only available entity at the time. Nursing was really
my first love, but I couldn't go into nursing because of financial difficulties at the time."
Although her passion was nursing, she tells Lifestyle that
she has loved her years in the classroom and recognises that "...a nurse has to be a teacher, and a teacher has to be nurse, and also a mother. Those are the things a patient and student are looking for."
Still, determined to pursue her childhood dream, two
years ago Mrs. Chambers became a certified practical nurse.
"I hope to begin my career as a nurse right after retirement (next May)."
The self-described people-person says she just wants to
minister to people. Her parting words in our interview were:
"I just like to give love all the time."
...on teaching and philosophy of life
Married ... yes, happily married for 34 years
Children...five
Hobbies...writing poetry, singing, cultivating plants. "I love flowers and gardening, sewing, drawing, painting and praying."
Favourite childhood teacher...Mrs. Rita Graham-Thompson. Even today I thought about her. She was a real role model. Many parts of my life are patterned on her example -- the way she kept her home, treated her children and family. Although she slapped me as a child, she cared about me a lot. Between her and my mother I respect them the most as women. I wanted to be like that woman.
A good teacher...has to be loving and understanding.
Don't consider teaching...if you are impatient and if you know you cannot give love and have no tolerance.
A number of students I've taught...are now so successful. Michelle Bowes is one. I taught her at Kendal All Age. At the moment she is working with the Jamaica Public Service. Also, Ann-Marie Lanbread. She is singing ministry in my church.
The student who broke my heart...was a brilliant young man who went on to teachers' college but got pushed into drugs. He ended up not finishing his schooling. However, whenever I talk to him I encourage him and pray for him. He knows I still love him.
Society's expectations of children...I don't think we expect too much of our children. We get out what we put in. They can do it if they try and they can do it if they are taught.
Philosophy...we need to instil values in our children, let them know they are here for a
purpose and can accomplish their purpose.
Let them know their worth. We should try to upgrade them so they can be of benefit to
society. There are no dunce children, they can all do something very good. We should always remember to praise and encourage them.
