The Ministry of Education in the Virgin Islands has launched a comprehensive Professional Development Series for educators, in collaboration with the Institute of Education at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). This initiative, which began in September and will run through January 2025, aims to equip teachers with modern tools, strategies, and knowledge to meet the evolving needs of students.

Acting Chief Education Officer, Orlandette Crabbe, emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to ongoing educator support, stating, “Professional development for educators remains a top priority, as we continue our commitment to reimagining education in the Virgin Islands. By investing in our teachers, we ensure they are equipped with the most up-to-date tools and strategies to meet the evolving needs of their students.”

Crabbe also underscored the importance of the collaboration with HLSCC, noting that the partnership has been pivotal in building the capacity of Virgin Islands educators. “We look forward to future initiatives that will further strengthen this partnership and continue supporting the professional growth of our teachers,” she added.

The series offers sessions covering a range of critical topics, including innovative teaching techniques, classroom management, technology integration, and student engagement practices. These topics were chosen based on feedback from educators, ensuring relevance to the needs identified at all levels of the education system.

Sessions are designed in a multi-part format, allowing educators to explore concepts in depth and apply them in their classrooms. Participants will gain insights, actionable strategies, and valuable resources, with the ultimate goal of improving student outcomes. Additionally, the program fosters peer collaboration, encouraging the exchange of experiences and the cultivation of a professional growth culture among teachers.

Importantly, the Professional Development Series is being offered at no cost to educators, highlighting the Ministry’s commitment to making continuous learning accessible and impactful.

Stephen Joseph, the newly appointed Director of the Institute of Education at HLSCC, expressed enthusiasm for leading the initiative. “We are honoured to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to empower educators in the Virgin Islands. The Institute of Education is dedicated to advancing innovative and inclusive education practices,” Joseph said.

He added, “Our mission is to prepare teachers who are not only skilled professionals but also advocates for social justice and community engagement. This Professional Development Series exemplifies our commitment to fostering teaching excellence and improving educational standards across the Territory.”

Educators interested in the series can register by scanning the QR code in the program flyer or using the provided registration link. For more information, educators are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Education or the HLSCC Institute of Education.

Fourteen students from the 2024 cohort of the Summer Apprenticeship program have successfully completed their placements across various ministries in the Government of the Virgin Islands, gaining invaluable public service experience.

The program, initiated by the Department of Human Resources, aims to provide college and university students with practical, hands-on experience in their chosen fields of study. By aligning student placements with relevant departments or ministries, the program allows participants to apply their academic training in a professional environment over the course of six weeks.

Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in fostering talent and promoting public engagement. “It is always an honor to welcome students into the Public Service,” said Mrs. DaBreo-Lettsome. “This experience helps shape their understanding and appreciation for the essential work carried out across the various sectors in government.”

The 2024 Summer Apprentices were placed in a range of key government offices, including the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, among others. These diverse placements gave students exposure to the inner workings of critical government sectors.

Cara Christopher, Human Resources Manager for Organisational Development & Workforce Planning, lauded the program for its ability to immerse students in the public sector, saying, “The working experience gained through these apprenticeships is especially beneficial. Students not only observe but actively contribute to the important work being done in government.”

The program continues to offer a valuable bridge between academic study and professional application. College and university students interested in future apprenticeship opportunities are encouraged to reach out to the Department of Human Resources for more information via email at hrd@gov.vg.

As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.

“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”

With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.