“We need passionate, dedicated, hardworking and highly-skilled teachers in our education system, to shape our youth and provide our students with the best opportunities.”

This is just one of the important messages Minister of Education, the Hon. Rolston Anglin shared with the first group of students enrolled in the Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

This one-year course is being made possible by the Ministry of Education and is being offered by the University of Sunderland from the United Kingdom. Thirteen candidates have registered for the course, including ten Caymanians, all of whom are graduates and professionals in other fields, and now have a career in teaching as their goal.

The local manager for the programme is Ms. Cetonya Cacho, former Principal of Bodden Town Primary School. She explained that the course is a unique blend of online and practical study.  Theoretical course information, readings and assignments will be provided through online distance learning from the University of Sunderland and this will then be directly linked to school experience in classrooms in the Cayman Islands. During the school experience, PGCE students will have opportunities to put theory into practice with the support of a mentor teacher.

The mentors are highly experienced teachers from the Government’s Education System who have volunteered to provide this service.

Ms. Cacho advised that a large component of the course also includes weekly workshops on national strategies and school initiatives such as the Cayman Islands National Professional Standards for Teachers, to ensure that everyone is fully aware of the local components in education and the Cayman Islands Government’s Education System.

Mrs. Rodrigues, Chief Officer in the Ministry of Education, congratulated the candidates on passing the rigorous selection processes administered by the Ministry and the University of Sunderland, and on their desire to become teachers. “Teaching is a wonderful profession that too many people overlook as a potential career path. Work hard and focus on the difference you can make in a child’s life,” she said.

Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Shirley Wahler, closed off the greeting session by saying, “As teachers, you will have a great responsibility for every child in your classroom.    It is very important that, no matter how hard it seems, you have a positive attitude and create a positive learning environment.  Please remember that you control the weather in your classroom and as a result of this, your students control the climate of our country, as they are our future”.

The PGCE is offered annually, starting each September to interested persons who hold a Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. The main aim of a PGCE is to provide persons aspiring to a career in teaching in primary schools with the professional training and experience necessary to develop as effective and reflective teachers.  For more information on the PGCE please visit www.education.gov.ky or email [email protected].