Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Debbie Davis, a teacher at the Time and Patience Primary School. - Ricardo Makyn

Spanish Town

Senior teacher Debbie Davis of the Time and Patience Primary School in Linstead, St Catherine, said she does not know what has kept her in the classroom so long but it's a real good feeling to be there.

She graduated from St Joseph's Teachers College in 1996 with a Diploma, and after doing her teaching practice at Excelsior Primary School, she was sent to Time and Patience Primary and has become a fixture on the school's education calendar. "It's been 12 years now and I have taught grade one right through to grade six. I love the arts and I don't know yet why I have stayed in the classroom so long," she shared.

She said it was a fulfilling feeling to transform minds and make persons be worthwhile and contribute to the building of the nation through what they have learnt.

Davis, 32, who is a past student of the St Jago High School, said her early inspiration came from former Principal of Time and Patience Primary, Mrs Ruby Blake. "I think she saw herself as a young teacher like I was and all that I have learnt in the classroom comes from her continued support," she added.

Davis said her heart is blessed to know that she continues to make a contribution but one of the major turnoff is to see a hungry child come to school. To this end, she claimed that teaching is a 24 hours per day job as one has to play the role of a mother, nurse, guidance counsellor and give your all to the profession as there are great needs to be filled.

Davis revealed that she recently completed her degree in School Leadership and Management at the Mico Teacher's college. This she claimed will help her to continue to do what she does best - that of moulding young minds through education.