Mrs. Denise Josephs-Skyers assisting her students during a Mathematics class at Balaclava Primary in St. Elizabeth recently. - George Henry

BY GEORGE HENRY, STAR Writer

SPALDINGS, CLARENDON

Mrs. Denise Josephs-Skyers has been making her contribution to nation building as a teacher at the Balaclava Primary School in St. Elizabeth over the past seven years. She is a graduate of the Bethlehem Moravian College in that parish, where she majored in primary education, and a past student of the Hampton High School for girls.

Her entry into the teaching profession came through encouragement from one of her aunts who is a teacher. However, according to Mrs. Josephs-Skyers she liked the profession even before she got her aunt's encouragement, as she was always fond of little children and liked assisting them.

"Although some give a lot of trouble, I have to find various ways and means of dealing with them. I use what is known as 'time out' at times, I give them lines to write, and for those who can't be helped by either method, I send them to the Guidance Counsellor who provides counselling," said Mrs. Josephs-Skyers.

Not easy

The 30-year-old teacher, who admitted that teaching is not an easy job, told THE STAR that as a young Christian she has to ask the Lord for guidance as she tries to carry out the work for which she is being paid. She added that prayers and encouragement from others have been effective in giving her the push to want to continue to serve the education sector.

She is of the view that there is a future for those young persons like her in the teaching profession, but was quick to point out that if persons do not love teaching it can be extremely difficult for them. Unlike many who are just in it for the pay cheque at the end of the month, Mrs. Josephs-Skyers said money is not all, as there is a sense of satisfaction to be obtained for the effort that is being made for the children of the land.

"I know that what we are getting as teachers is not enough in terms of payment, because teachers are very much underpaid, but I try to do the best I can with what I get," said the teacher.

She pointed out that over the years her students have been very appreciative of her efforts and that this they show by giving her gifts, especially on Teacher's Day and on other occasions, like at graduation time. After leaving school, Mrs. Josephs-Skyers said some students even return to tell her thanks for what she has done for them.

Parents: get involved

She would like parents to be more concerned for their students by getting their priorities right. For those who are reluctant to attend meetings at the school, the teacher is calling on them to try to make the effort to come in and see how well their children are progressing in their studies.

Mrs. Josephs-Skyers, who is the mother of one son, Jaydean, would like to move up the ranks to be an education officer and she made it clear that she does not intend to quit the field of education for any other pro-fession in the near future.