By Byron McDaniel, Gleaner WriterWALDERSTON, Manchester: WENTWORTH GABBIDON, president-elect of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), has clear visions of his term in office as head of the association.
Mr. Gabbidon, 49, who is also the principal of the Pike All-Age School in North East Manchester, said that apart from the usual agitation for better salaries, he will be establishing a mentoring programme for new teachers.
"I am prepared to lead in fostering new teachers in the process of professionalism," he said.
He said additional training for new teachers would make them better equipped to execute their functions and noted that under his watch, an early childhood education plan will be implemented.
The plan, he said, will focus on promoting positive values and attitudes. "We need to set a solid foundation for early childhood students to build on when they move on to the primary, secondary and tertiary levels," he stressed.
NEW RECRUITS NOT ENOUGH
The president-elect also disclosed that the JTA would be hosting a conference for educators in March to further enhance their expertise.
He downplayed comments by Education Minister, Maxine Henry-Wilson, that there were adequate experienced teachers to replace those who migrated. "We are losing experienced teachers qualified in the arts and sciences and new recruits cannot fill the void," he said.
Mr. Gabbidon, who is currently pursuing a Master's degree through the Florida-based Nova Southeastern University, succeeds incumbent Sadie Comrie as president of the 40-year-old JTA on August 18. He will be installed during the annual JTA conference at the Renaissance Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
The president-elect emerged victorious over Evelyn Gyles, principal of Shortwood Practising and Junior High School in June 2002, when he received 5,869 votes to her 4,675.
Born in Welcome, St. Ann, Mr. Gabbidon, the father of one son and a daughter, has been a teacher for 27 years.
On August 17, one day before Mr. Gabbidon's investiture, a special JTA church service will be held at the Pike United Church.
