Sharing Good Practice
Global Teacher Prize Top Ten Finalist 2017
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Tracy-Ann Hall . countries , including Jamaica , teachers are not recognized or celebrated .
4 . Who are the first two people that you shared the news with once you realise that you made the Top 10 ? Why ?
The father of my daughters and my father ; these are the two most important men in my life .
5 . What was your experience like with the GTP team when they visited your school ?
It was an awesome experience , as Matt was a first-time visitor to our country . He was so happy to be in the sun . He enjoyed sharing in our school life and we learnt a little about cold England .
6 . How did the people closest to you react when they realised that you would be travelling to Dubai for the announcement ceremony ?
Although most of my students did not know where Dubai was , they were so happy to know that I was going there to compete for the prize of 1 Million Dollars . The teachers , my family and my friends were all delighted to know that I was going to visit another country , and for such a prestigious award ceremony that would be broadcast all over the world .
7 . What was your interaction like with
the other nominees once you met them ?
Interacting with the other nominees was awesome . We had a grand time playing , joking , laughing and just talking about our classes and country . We had a great time together .
8 . Share 5 adjectives that adequately capture your experience at the GTP & GESF ?
Splendid , fabulous , awesome , magnificent and just wonderful .
9 . What did you enjoy most at GTP & GESF ?
Interacting with the people of Dubai and the teachers from around the world .
10 . How do you hope to use this new and prestigious platform going forward ?
I want to ensure that teachers are celebrated in every corner of society . I want to establish a national teacher award in Jamaica , so that our outstanding teachers ( which are many ) are celebrated . I would like to see an improvement in the way vocational education is viewed by the population , and I will be working on a campaign to lead that change .
11 . What advice do you have for other
Jamaican teachers and teachers from the Caribbean diaspora ?
I would tell them to be dedicated to their students . Give one hundred percent . Teach your students how to live and not only teach from the curriculum , but expand their horizon and teach them to be real global citizens . It is ok to celebrate teachers , because we are worthy of being celebrated . Teachers matter .
12 . What is the biggest lesson that you will take away from this experience ?
The world is truly a global village and we must ensure that our students are real global citizens .
Bonus item : What are your final thoughts on the experience ?
I would like to thank HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , UAE Vice President , Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai , Mr Sunny Varkey and the entire Varkey Foundation for having and executing this brilliant event that celebrates all teachers .
The GTP was awarded to Maggie McDonnell of Canada , who is now an ally of Tracy ’ s . Tracy-Ann received a global award for teaching , from the Varkey Foundation . She was awarded a gold medal and a certificate . We anticipate that she will continue to raise the bar with her outstanding contributions to education in the years ahead .
Class Time
| | May - Jun 2017 |
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