The Jamaica Star :: Features :: The 'dean' of language and linguistics

Jonique Gaynor, Staff Reporter

Donna-dean Telfer - Contributed

After graduating from the University of the West Indies with a degree in language and inguistics, 24-year-old Donna-dean Telfer decided to enter the teaching profession.

Telfer has been teaching English Language and Literature at her alma mater, Seaforth High School in St.Thomas, for one year and told THE STAR: "I see it as a way of giving back to my community and helping to mould the minds of the youth."

She said teaching was always something she saw herself doing, primarily because of her love for children. "It's always been a part of me. I love children and I love imparting knowledge to others," she said.

Good times

Of her experience in the profession so far, Telfer said: "It's been very interesting. There are the good times when the students are doing well, but in terms of the level of indiscipline, it is hard." While adding that she has not had any personal encounter with indisciplined students, she said this was a major issue that needs to be addressed.

Telfer is also a speech and drama teacher, and listed this among her favourite things about the experience. She said: "When the students go out and represent the school and perform well, I feel good about that."

Being a past student of the institution, she said, has made her job much easier.

"I am more familiar with the workforce and it makes the situation more comfortable, and that makes it easier for me to make my mark."

She also added that she now enjoys a different type of relationship with many of her former teachers, who are still at the school.

High level of indiscipline

She again mentioned the high level of indiscipline when asked about the things she wished were different in the profession and added: "The pay could be higher too, because we are doing more than teaching. We're parenting and counselling as well as teaching."

She said the rewards to be reaped from the profession are great and, as such, she would encourage anyone to choose teaching.

Telfer said she enjoys an "excellent" relationship with her students and said this was so because they find it easier to relate to her because of her youth.