Governor General Dame Sandra Mason receives a copy of the book Simply Teacher from author Dr. Hazel Lindo-Carrington, while Mrs. Laurie Blackman, who has responsibility for the launch of the book, looks on. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

Governor General Dame Sandra Mason was recently presented with a copy of the book Simply Teacher by its author Dr. Hazel Lindo-Carrington.

The publication, which chronicles the life of centenarian Dame Avisene Carrington, who was born on September 17, 1918, “is an inspirational narrative of challenge, triumph and celebration”.

Dr. Lindo-Carrington, speaking about Simply Teacher, also described it as “a history of the development of education in Barbados, from limited funding and access, especially for girls in the colony, to government-sponsored education for all in the nation state”.

Explaining how she arrived at the title of the book, the author said it came from the words spoken by the main character in November 2018, when she received Barbados’ highest national award, Dame of St. Andrew, for her contribution to early childhood and primary education in Barbados. With all that Dame Avis had accomplished, when asked how she would like to be remembered, she responded ‘Simply, … Teacher’.

Dr. Lindo-Carrington believes that the story of Dame Avis “restores the teaching profession to its status as the noblest of professions”.

The author, who is an educator, started her career as a teacher of science at Christ Church Foundation School. Her interest in students led her to “a broader concern with social issues that impact education”, and to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Education from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill Campus, specialising in sociology of education.

Dr. Lindo-Carrington has served as a resource person at the School of Education, UWI, Cave Hill, with brief stints as a tutor at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, where she has trained and mentored student teachers.

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