By Tashieka Mair, Star Writer

Wayne Woolery

western bureau

Wayne Woolery left the University of the West Indies in 1996 with a science degree and a big question about what to do with it.

When he decided to teach, his friends pressed him to seek a job at traditional high schools instead of one that was upgraded.

However, it was the 'upgraded' Green Island High School that gave him his first stint at teaching as it was the only school that gave favourable consideration to his application for a teaching post after graduation.

"Coming to work at an upgraded high school after having attended a traditional high school or 'name brand' high school, as they are sometimes referred to, was a bit of a culture shock for me," Woolery recalls.

The shock he said, lay in the relative lack of family support for many students. This was so different from his experience growing up.

"My parents were working-class people but the education of their two children was their top priority. All our needs were provided for and our family unit was strong; we went to school every day, except when we got sick."

"One of my most vivid memories was when my father took me to the bookstore after he got paid and bought my school books, and those that he couldn't get at the store he would search around with friends to get them. So, by the time September came around, I had all my textbooks."

Not many students in his new school appeared to be blessed with parents like his.

"I realised, that I couldn't just be a teacher delivering the curriculum. I had to become a father figure for these children."

'A' for excellence

After eight years at the institution he took his study leave in 2005 to pursue a one-year course for a degree in education at the UWI. However, he received more than he bargained for, as not only did he earn his degree in education but he also received a distinction in theory and practical in education for the sciences. He was also given the Dean's award for excellence for the most outstanding student, among the more than 50 persons who took part in the degree in education course, among other awards.

He believes that more attention needs to be placed on early childhood education in order to avoid the problems of illiteracy and low grades faced in many high schools today.

"It's not good enough to just focus on improving students performance when they get to high school because if the foundation is weak you are almost fighting a losing battle, so the foundation needs to be strengthened. There has to be serious attempts to address what happens at the early childhood level," he said. "I think once the foundation is strong then the lament about the C.X.C passes will cease."

Now committed to his career, he plans to aim higher for his master's and PhD, but says that these qualifications are useless if they do not transform the individual.

Wayne Woolery, speaking about his experience at UWI. - Tashieka Mair