Jamaica’s newest cohort of educators has been charged to use their influence to inspire and shape young lives positively, recognising the lifelong impact of their words and actions.

The charge was delivered by Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Giovanni Dennis, to the 768 graduates, during the Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica (TCJ) Graduation Ceremony, at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus on Sunday (November 8).

The graduating cohort is made up of students from Bethlehem Moravian College, Church Teachers’ College, the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE), G.C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, the Moneague College, Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, Shortwood Teachers’ College and St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College.

In his address, Mr. Dennis noted that a teacher may spend only a few years with a student, but the influence of those few years can last a lifetime.

He emphasised that people remember their teachers and the experiences they had with them decades later.

“They remember the ones who encouraged them and the ones who discouraged them. The ones who believed in them and the ones who made them doubt themselves. They remember the teachers who made them feel that they could conquer the world and those who made them feel that they were not good enough,” Mr. Dennis stated.

Referencing his personal journey, Mr. Dennis shared contrasting experiences from his school days to illustrate the weight of an educator’s influence.

He recalled a painful incident from grade four in primary school that he still remembers 20 years later, and conversely positive experiences from his time at Garvey Maceo High School and the UWI.

The JIS CEO also shared the story of Terrestrial Biologist and Lecturer, Damion Whyte, whose parent was told by a teacher that “it would be a waste of time to send him to university.”

Mr. Dennis noted that despite the teacher’s discouragement, Damion went on to successfully achieve his PhD earlier this year.

“The young man whose potential was once dismissed, has gone on to achieve the very thing that his teacher suggested was not worth pursuing. But there’s something else worth considering. More than 15 years later, he still remembers how that teacher made him feel. That is the power of a teacher’s influence,” the CEO said.

He noted that a teacher’s words can encourage or discourage, inspire or diminish, open doors or create barriers, and that a single statement can remain with a child long after a teacher has forgotten making the remark.

Emphasising that teaching goes far beyond completing syllabi or preparing students for examinations, Mr. Dennis stressed that the profession is ultimately about shaping lives and recognising potential, even before students see it in themselves.

“It’s about understanding that the child sitting in front of you today may become a doctor, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a scientist, a public servant or a leader tomorrow. And sometimes that child simply needs someone to believe in them,” he stated.

Mr. Dennis urged the graduands to be teachers who encourage, speak positively, clear obstacles rather than erects them, and inspire children to believe in themselves.

“Be a teacher who recognises that every child has potential, even when that potential is not immediately obvious, and remember that your responsibility does not end when the school bell rings or when a student leaves your classroom,” he affirmed.

In his remarks, Dean of the Teachers’ Colleges of Jamaica, Dr. Garth Anderson, echoed Mr. Dennis’ charge, while noting that teacher education remains one of the most important investments that any nation can make in its future.

He emphasised that teachers are facilitators of learning, mentors, role models, innovators, and agents of social and economic transformation.

“The quality of education that our children receive is significantly influenced by the knowledge, competence, values, and commitment of the teachers who guide them. Consequently, the preparation of competent, reflective, and compassionate educators must remain a priority of our teacher training institutions,” Dr. Anderson stated.

He urged the graduates to become teachers who inspire curiosity, nurture critical thinking, promote creativity, and cultivate responsible citizenship.

“Be patient with those who struggle, celebrate the achievements of those who excel, and never underestimate the influence that a caring and dedicated teacher can have on a child’s life,” Dr. Anderson stated.

He emphasised that the nation needs teachers who are not only qualified but also who are visionary, resourceful, adaptable, and committed to preparing learners to function successfully in a rapidly changing global society.

Meanwhile, Class Valedictorian La-Tanya Cowan-Lamont, affirmed that the nation needs committed, innovative, and compassionate teachers who understand that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

“Today, we accept that responsibility with humility and pride. We’re not merely graduates receiving a degree. We’re nation builders answering a call,” she stated.