State Minister in the Education, Skills, Youth and Information Ministry, Hon. Rhoda Moy Crawford, is thanking teachers for their hard work and dedication to the development of the nation’s students.
She said educators are among Jamaica’s greatest asset.
“As a teacher myself, I understand first-hand, the sacrifices that teachers have to make, I understand the level of commitment and dedication it takes,” she said.
“Behind every improvement we celebrate is a teacher who gave extra time, tried another strategy, encouraged a child to persevere, and refused to accept that a student is not improving,” she noted.
Ms. Crawford was addressing the World Teachers’ Day church service on Sunday (October 4) at the Church of God Prophecy in Spanish Town, St. Catherine.
She noted that this year’s World Teachers’ Day observance is significant because it marks 60 years since the adoption of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers.
It establishes international standards for teachers’ rights and responsibilities, their preparation and professional development, and the conditions needed for effective teaching and learning.
“Sixty years later, the profession continues to evolve,” Ms. Crawford said, noting that teachers are now navigating digital technologies and artificial intelligence, responding to increasingly diverse learning needs, and supporting students with social and emotional challenges.
“Yet, even as the tools and circumstances change, the importance of the teacher has not diminished. If anything, the complexity of education today reminds us why well-prepared supported and valued teachers are indispensable,” the State Minister said.
She noted that the education transformation agenda depends greatly on teachers.
“We can always introduce new technologies, improve infrastructure, strengthen curriculum and develop new programmes but it is the teachers who will bring about the needed transformation,” she said.
“They are the ones who will have to transform physical spaces and resources into meaningful experiences that can ensure the advancement of our students,” she pointed out.
During the function, awards were presented to outstanding teachers from Region 6 (St. Catherine) under the Quality Education Circle (QEC) initiative. These teachers were recognised for excellence in teaching, innovation and professional leadership and making a meaningful impact on learners, schools and communities.
The church service included the launch of the Jamaica Tertiary Education Commission (JTEC) Week 2026, which is being observed from October 4 to 9 under the theme ‘Building a Future-Ready Jamaica Through Higher Education’.
The week will highlight opportunities, share sector developments, and celebrate student success across Jamaica’s higher-education sector.
Ms. Crawford said that a future ready-Jamaica needs strong educators at every level of the education system.
“[We need] teachers preparing our youngest learners and those guiding students through secondary and tertiary education. Together, they build the knowledge, character and capabilities Jamaica will need,” she added.