Byron Martin - Elgin taylor

Elgin Taylor, Star Writer

Much has been spoken and written about the lack of an adequate number of science teachers in Jamaica and its negative impact on the education system. It is said that many of them have been lured from our shores because of a better wage package.

Byron Martin, who teaches biology at St. Jago High School in St. Catherine, is one such teacher who has decided to remain in the island and contribute to the scientific development of the nation's young people.

He told The Star that it was not an easy task to decide not to go and work abroad. He stated that like many others, he was tempted by the lucrative salary being offered.

"I once had offers from Barbados and England, and I would have accepted one of them if it weren't for my wife, Liseth. She advised me not to go, and looking back, I believe I have made the right decision," Martin said.

Successful satisfaction

He related how the satisfaction gained from seeing the success of his students has given him the impetus to carry on regardless of the low wages.

"The students make me feel good. I tell you when I see results like having eighty (80) of eighty nine (89) biology students being successful in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, it makes you feel fulfilled as a teacher," he added.

The educator, who was born in Gayle, St. Mary, later grew up in Guys Hill in St. Catherine. He attended Dinthill Technical High School and GC Foster School of Physical Education (St. Catherine), and Mico Teacher Training College in St. Andrew.

He entered Mico College in September 1987 and studied biology and physical education as his main subjects. He graduated from that institution in 1990 with a secondary education diploma.

From September to October 1990 he was employed at Vauxhall Secondary (now High) in St. Andrew. He has been at his present school (St. Jago) since November 1, 1990.

Martin has not forgotten his training in physical education, nor his love for sport in general, and so from 1998-1999 he enrolled as a student at G.C. Foster College of Physical Education. He emerged from that institution in with a Bachelors degree (in physical education).

Currently, he coaches his school's volleyball team. The girls and boys teams have qualified for the quarter and semi-finals respectively, in the National Schools Volleyball Competition.

Interesting discovery

He said that he has made an interesting discovery in that the best performers in biology at the CSEC are also members of his volleyball teams! He attributes this to the discipline and persistency needed to play the game well. He said that this in turn stimulates the intellect and hence enhances performance.

He also revealed that he has an aptitude for teaching large classes. At one stage he taught a class of fifty (50) students, and there was even an instance when he taught 133 students in three classes.

Martin, who now heads the science department at his school, was also the recipient of the Teacher of the Month Award for March and December last year. He had this to say about getting the best results from the students:

" You just have to push them, you have to challenge them with varying activities. You have to teach them how to study and how to answer questions. As a teacher you must be adequately prepared at all times. You have to utilise all the technological devices at your disposal. You need to let them understand that learning is a co-operative effort."