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A
strong teachers` organisation - President, JTA Wentworth
Gabbidon
 THE
VISION of the Jamaica Union of Teachers in 1894, for
a strong unified teachers` organisation was fulfilled
in 1964 when the Jamaica Teachers` Association came
into being. This was made possible through the unification
of the five sectional organisations - the Association
of Assistant Masters and Mistress (A2M2), the Association
of Head Masters and Head Mistresses (H2M2), the Association
of Teacher Training Staffs (ATTS) and the Association
of Teachers of Technical Institutions (ATTI) also work
tirelessly. These pioneering members took the decision
to become one because they believed the greater interests
of all teachers and education should be placed above
those of the individual groups.
As
we celebrate the 40th Anniversary, we remember and salute
those who took the bold decision to allow the emergency
of the single professional body to represent the nation`s
teachers. To this band of trailblazers we say, well
done pioneers, you have laid a solid foundation.
We
pledge to continue the job you started to ensure the
professional, financial and social advancement of members
and also to promote the highest educational standards
for Jamaica.
As
we reflect on the past and reposition for the future,
I challenge us as teachers to commit to professionalism
and excellence in performance. Allow excellence to continue
to be the hallmark of our profession. Despite the difficult
challenges we face daily, let us remain focused on the
task of getting our students to optimize their full
potentials.
We
need to be resolute in the face of the increased incidents
of indiscipline and violence in schools and the wider
society. As teachers, we must take the lead in the renewal
process to rekindle in our people those positive values
and attitudes that have sustained us through the years.
Remember that, as agents of change, we have a responsibility
to have a positive impact on the lives of those with
whom we come in contact.
Let
me say thanks to all the stakeholders in education and
our partners and friends who have supported us through
these 40 years. We look forward to a strengthening of
the bond as we seek to improve and to renew ourselves
to better serve education in Jamaica. As citizens of
this nation, we must all play our part to ensure that
minimum standards are implemented and maintained at
all levels of the education system.
God
have been our held and guide during the past 40 years.
Let us depend on Him as the Mast Teacher for guidance
and sustenance to meet the challenges in the way ahead.
Let
us allow the light of education to brighten all the
dark places of ignorance, intolerance, and indiscipline
in personal and national lives. Let us unite and serve.
WENTWORTH
GABBIDON
President
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