As we approach Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence, we look at one of the most respected professions. Teaching is a challenging but fulfilling career which aims to empower through education, thereby improving standards of living and quality of life. Teachers simplify the complex, and make abstract concepts accessible to students. Jamsixty sat down with Syreeta Kenny-Folkes who was kind enough to share her journey on how she became a teacher.
Jamsixty: What is your current role /title?
Kenny-Folkes:
I am currently a Mathematics Teacher and Grade Supervisor at a traditional High School in Kingston Jamaica
Jamsixty: Do you enjoy your job and why?
Kenny-Folkes: I love my job because it gives me an opportunity to help young Jamaicans develop as Mathematicians and as Individuals. That was my dream from a very young age.
Jamsixty: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Kenny-Folkes: The most fulfilling aspect of my job is to see the light in the eyes of a student or hear a student reach an ‘aha’ moment with a topic or with something that they have been struggling with. Of course, when your students do well you also feel a sense of pride, but I am happier when they are also proud of themselves and confident in who they are as individuals. I also feel a sense of fulfillment and immense humility when past students visit/email and share their memories of classes or interactions with me or share that I have had a positive impact on their lives and express gratitude to me.
Jamsixty: What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?
Kenny-Folkes: Having taught in various institutions and been involved in Education in different roles, I would say that the most frustrating part of being an educator is related to inequity within the education system and the fact that education is still deeply tied to politics. Politics affects how much of the budget is allocated to education and I believe that you cannot put a price on education when your aim is to lift literacy and numeracy levels and develop all aspects of a country. I am also not a fan of wholesale standardized testing and the lack of transparency where the evaluation of student performance on these tests is concerned.
Jamsixty: When did you decide to become a Teacher and why?
Kenny-Folkes: I realized that I wanted to become a teacher when I was very young, possibly in 3rd or 4th form. I worked with small children during the summers throughout my high school life, loved the babies but I also loved Mathematics. Teaching could also be considered a part of my DNA as I come from a family of educators. My decision to teach Mathematics stemmed from a desire to remove the fear of mathematics that I witnessed in my peers and even I felt as a child. I did well in Mathematics without much effort and wanted this for more people, especially Jamaicans. I never wanted to teach anywhere else.
Jamsixty: What are good personality traits to have for this career?
Kenny-Folkes: It is important to be observant, empathetic, caring, fair, disciplined, focused and passionate about your subject area and molding lives. You should also be confident and not too self-conscious.
Jamsixty: What are the academic pre-requisites?
Kenny-Folkes: What most people do not know is that one can enter teaching at different levels and as such teachers are paid accordingly. I started teaching as a Pre-trained Graduate which means I had a bachelor’s degree but no Teacher Training certification. It is also possible to enter as a Trained Graduate or as a Pre-trained Teacher if you do not have a first degree or any teacher training certification.
In terms of qualifications, there are two aspects: professional (teacher training) and specialization in content area. Most institutions require applicants to possess strong content knowledge, and this is usually more critical at the secondary level than it is at the primary level. There was a time where it was common for a person to teach based on their reputation and the demands of the particular system/school; I remember being taught in high school by persons who had recently graduated because there was a need. However, things are changing and standards are being set and adhered to more. Most institutions now list and maintain that a bachelor’s degree is a requirement and if the intention is to teach at the secondary level the degree should be in the area of specialization. Having some form of professional training puts you at advantage over someone who does not and depending on the location or institution you may find that most teachers also have a post-graduate degree even though this is not a requirement for entry at the primary or secondary level.
To teach at the tertiary level, a minimum requirement is a Masters degree even though some universities engage persons on a part time basis where they recognize that individual is strong and has potential to lecture.
Professional training can be obtained through a Teachers’ College or a university such as The UWI – Faculty of Humanities and Education or The UTECH.
The general pre-requisites for entry into a Teachers’ College are a minimum of five CSEC subjects including Mathematics and English Language at Grades I – III or the equivalent at G.C.E. O-Level at A, B or C. The second set of prerequisites are related to the specialization; Early Childhood/Primary Education versus Secondary Education. This may differ for the specific college, and it is best to check the websites to determine the details.
UWI – Matriculation to any degree programme at UWI requires five CSEC subjects (General Proficiency Grades I-III) and/or GCE O’Level/BGCSE subjects (Grades A-C) including English Language AND two double Units Cape subjects or 2 GCE A-Level subjects in relevant area.
For education, if one has Two Years Full-Time or Three Years Part-Time (Teacher Trained) Teachers’ College Certificate in relevant area + 4 GCE (A-C)/CXC grades (I-III) including English Language, OR Three years Secondary Teachers’ College Diploma in relevant area + English Language.
UTECH and NCU – requirements are similar to UWI
Jamsixty: What was the application process like and what does it entail?
Kenny-Folkes: I filled out my application on paper but now, most if not all, institutions have an online portal for the submission of applications and supporting documents.
For me, the application process was simple. I initially applied to the University of the West Indies to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education – Mathematics Education because I wanted a degree and not a Diploma. At the time the programme was new. I did the interview during my final term in 6th form and upon receiving my A Level results got the final offer letter from the UWI. However, I ended up switching programmes during the first week of school and completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Mathematics and Minor in Geography. After working for 2 years as a Pre-trained Graduate I went on to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at UWI thereby rounding up my professional qualifications and placing me at the level of a Trained Graduate.
Now the programmes are more established and there is also a myriad of areas of specializations. Teachers’ colleges also offer degree programmes now as well. From what I have seen the process is simple, just create your profile for application and complete the related forms. Wait to be scheduled for your interview, do well in that interview and then wait for your offer letter.
One can also pursue a Masters or a Doctorate in Education at a local or international University.
Jamsixty: Briefly explain the studying process: how many years required, internship etc.
Kenny-Folkes: It requires three (3) years to complete the Bachelors degree at UWI. I eventually did the Post-Graduate Diploma in Education at UWI which was a one-year programme at the time. So, after 4 years I was classified as a Trained Graduate.
The bachelor’s degrees at most Teachers’ colleges are 4-year programmes. Teachers’ colleges also offer two or three year Associate Degrees.
In my experience, the education courses are thought provoking and help to open your eyes and mind to the issues that impact the education system and student success in general. They also help you to understand your content area more; the structure of it, the issues in the teaching and learning of it. You will be engaged in quite a bit of writing and reflection. Your philosophy of education, learning and teaching will be questioned and refined.
Every teacher training programme includes some form of in-service training referred to as the Practicum or Teaching Practice (TP). Depending on the programme, the amount of time spent on TP varies. Teachers’ Colleges engage their students in more TP and at more than one level of the programme; a student may be engaged in TP for 6 weeks in years 3 and 4. Again this varies per institution and programme. You do not get paid while on TP, it is a requirement for the fulfillment of your degree programme.
Jamsixty: What advice and words of encouragement would you give to someone who aspires to enter this career path.
Kenny-Folkes:
Teaching is a lifestyle; it is not just a job.
You get a timetable at the beginning of each year but in addition to that timetable you need to allocate time for preparing for classes and assessment, grading assessments, consulting with parents and students and you are expected to be a part of the school community and participate in school life.
Do not go into teaching thinking that the salary is satisfactory, the remuneration is not and will not compare, this is a global issue. You can survive if you live within your means and are innovative.
Endeavor to separate work from home life.
Many teachers take home the challenges their students and sometimes colleagues face in their personal and academic lives every day. The expectations a country has of its teachers are also very high and society can be quite unforgiving. For those who stay in the profession long enough to become Senior Teachers, there is quite a bit of administrative work and at times you have to find a way to do what you are not trained to do. Teachers deal with instances of grief, abuse, neglect etc. and they also have their personal battles that often get pushed to the side for the sake of the students. Take care of yourself. Your ability to help others is reduced if you are not well.
Enjoy the small, big deal things and moments.
Appreciation is rare, try not to base your self-worth on the feedback received from every parent/student. You can find great joy when even one student shares that they appreciate you for all you have done for them or what you have shown them through your example.
Be Open to Growth and Evolution
Trends are always changing; society is always changing. Keep learning so that you can be more effective. Having completed a Masters in Education, I know that I have no desire to pursue a Doctorate in Education at this time. However, there are several non-traditional or less formal programmes or avenues for professional development, such as short courses and webinars.
Jamsixty: Can you name a few resources that can aid in providing information for someone who plans to enter this career path in Jamaica.
- Speak with Teachers at your current school – hear their experiences and advice. It will help you to manage your expectations and determine the best route for you.
- Join a professional community – stay on top of new trends.
- Consult Faculty Advisors during your programme at your college or university.
- Attend UWI Career Expo and College Fairs to learn about programmes around the world.
Websites
- Ministry of Education & Youth – https://moey.gov.jm/
- Jamaica Teaching Council – https://jtc.gov.jm/
- Jamaica Teachers’ Association – http://www.jta.org.jm/
- College & University Websites for programmes and matriculation requirements etc.
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