There is a call for greater value to be placed on the role of teachers. It has come from President of the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), Karen Best, as the organisation recognises National Teachers’ Appreciation Day, today.
According to Mrs. Best, teachers are no longer respected and valued. “Teachers today need support, not ridicule. Parents and the general public must understand that teachers cannot do this job alone…It calls for cooperation,” she stressed.
She stated that schools were asked to use the day to recognise and honour teachers.
She, however, added that the general appreciation of teachers needed to be extended to the wider public. “Today we ask persons to realise the contribution of teachers to their lives…Try to see if you can forge a better relationship with the teachers you come into contact with. We need them to carry the whole education process forward,” she noted.
The BUT is celebrating Teachers’ Week from October 26 to 31. Activities for the week include the John Cumberbatch Lecture, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Almond Bay Conference Centre,
Hastings, Christ Church. On October 31, the Union will stage a Professional Development Workshop at Barbados Beach Club, Maxwell, Christ Church.