PD Magazine 356 OECS PD Magazine NEW (2) | Page 36

‘ Bee-ing’ a T Teacher here is much that we can learn from a colony of bees. They are most industrious and in a single colony, thousands of bees work together with a singular purpose. As an individual, the strongest bee would be severely limited in working to achieve the objectives of the colony. But with joint efforts, bees overcome formidable odds and achieve outstanding success in producing honey and protecting the colony. Bees are not driven by pride, selfish ambition or a desire to be the best of the bees. What drives a bee is the goal of the colony and its heritage within that colony. The job of a genuine teacher is much like that of a bee. The genuine teacher is industrious and focused, ever conscious of the community goal of student growth, development, learning and success. Like-minded genuine teachers follow the Six C’s of OECS PD. Teachers collaborating in a collegial environment would certainly redound to the success of students entrusted to their care. That collaboration and collegiality foster introspection and reflection, creating a fertile environment for expanding teachers’ repertoire of knowledge, skills, attitudes, aptitudes and strategies for tackling challenges related to student learning. The Education Development Management Unit (EDMU) of the OECS Commission is working to create the environment for a thriving colony of teachers working towards high quality student achievement. Opportunities have been created for education officials across the OECS to collaborate on key documents, approaches, and programme and implementation activities. The EDMU has now established an online learning hub where teachers , teacher educators and other education officials can connect and collaborate with the aim of honing their craft and creating a clear path to high quality achievement for students. What is envisaged is no less than a colony of teachers hovering together, building materials, ideas, strategies and the like; all the ingredients for making student learning a clear and present reality. With that accomplished, we expect sweet results indeed. Please visit oecslearninghub.com 31