The Jamaica Star :: Features :: Veteran educator demands respect for teachers

Elgin Taylor, STAR Writer

Clement Ernandez - Elgin Taylor

St Catherine

Some see them as the 'burden bearers' of the educational system, while others view them (simply) as the first line of contact whenever there is the need to query school matters. These people are the vice-principals of our schools.

Clement Ernandez, acting vice-principal of Claude McKay High School located in James Hill in Clarendon, though not subscribing to the tag of 'burden bearer', admitted toTheStar that a vice-principal's job is indeed onerous. He has been at Claude McKay since September, 1980.

"My job involves working with the students, teachers and parents and forming a liaison with the principal. The duties include supervising and coordinating teacher evaluation, staff development, time tabling and scheduling, grade coordinators, prefects, examination, graduation, registration of new students and deputising for the principal whenever she is absent," he recounted.

Properly prepared

Interfacing with parents regarding the behavioural problems of their children, numbering over 1050, and the issuing of reports, are also a part of his portfolio.

The veteran educator bemoans the lack of respect shown by some students to their teachers. He also complained that the indiscipline of students was taking up too much teaching time. He believes that the root cause of the problem lies with the parents.

"Students these days are not focused and the parents are not spending enough time with them." he opined.

"Because of this nonchalant state of affairs, the students are not properly prepared for school or school work," he stated.

Ernandez believes that as one of the main stakeholders in education, the parents need to come on board through the Parent-Teachers' Association's meetings, and getting involved in the various activities of the school.

He also put forward the suggestion that it would not be a bad idea if parents pay surprise visits to their children's schools.

Fulfilment

The St. Mary born, Mico Teachers' College-trained graduate, noted that there are rewards to be gained, other than financial, from the teaching profession. He said that what gives him fulfilment is to observe the positive effect that his teachings have had on the lives of young people.

"When you have done the hard work and later see the results in your students, it gives you the drive to continue," he noted.

He has also taught at two schools in the parish of St Catherine. They are Bartons All Age (1975-1978) and Ensom City All Age (1978-1980).

He also finds the time to be a part of the governing body of his former school, Carron Hall All Age in St. Mary. He was born in the district. He is associated with the Citizens' Association of James Hill in Clarendon.

Ernandez outlined to TheStarthat his substantive post at Claude Mckay is that of a work experience officer, and that the job involves placing grade eleven students at work stations and supervising them.

He said that at the end of the job experience some of the students find employment at their work stations, while he assists others in getting work elsewhere. This, he observes, further adds to the sense of fulfilment that he gets from being in the teaching profession.