Putting ‘class’ back in the classroom

Manning's School in Westmoreland, Jamaica, recently launched an initiative to support its newest educators with a targeted professional development session. The session, held on April 15, focused on professional conduct, classroom management, and the teacher's role as a positive influence. Master teacher Ilene Cohall-Bailey led the initiative, which is part of the school's mentorship programme launched in 2023. The programme pairs new teachers with experienced educators to promote excellence and retention in the teaching profession. The session featured a panel of presenters, including Euphyline Reid, Carlene Rumbolt, and Saskiea Whyte-Johnson, who discussed strategies for elevating classroom interaction and establishing authority and respect. New teacher Daynia Pinnock Lawrence described the session as 'highly engaging' and 'informative', noting that it offered valuable insights into teaching practices.