NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 8 SAM SHARPE TEACHERS’ COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE FOUNDING AND EARLY YEARS 1. Established in 1975 as Granville Teachers’ College through a joint venture between the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank. 2. Renamed in October 1975 to Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College, honouring National Hero Samuel Sharpe. 3. Initial Enrolment: Began with 150 students and two programmes in general elementary and primary education. 4. First Graduation: Held in 1978, marking the completion of training for the inaugural cohort. 5. Campus Size: Occupies a 13acre urban campus in Montego Bay. ACADEMIC EXPANSION 6. Language Laboratory: Established a fully equipped language lab in 2014 with support from the Spanish-Jamaica Foundation, the Embassy of Spain, and the Digicel Foundation. 7. Last Batch of Diploma Students: Graduated in 2014. 8. First Batch of Bachelor’s Degree Students: Graduated in November 2015. 9. Programme Diversification: Expanded offerings to include 12 Bachelor of Education programmes across early childhood, primary, and secondary education. 10. Newest Programme: As of September 2024, the college started to offer a Bachelor of Education in Business Studies for persons who intend to teach business subjects at the secondary level. 11. Programmes Starting September 2025: Bachelor of Education in Information Technology & Bachelor of Education in Music PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS 12. Central Connecticut State University: Collaborated on Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. 13. Master’s Programmes: Introduced Master of Arts degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education in collaboration with The University of the West Indies. 14. Caribbean Maritime University (CMU): Formed a partnership in 2015 to offer maritime industry training. 15. Edna Manley College: Offers joint programmes in music education. Offers Associate of Arts degrees in Music Education and Performance in partnership with Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. 16. Spanish-Jamaican Foundation and Embassy of Spain: Supported the establishment of the Modern Languages’ laboratory. 17. Food for the Poor & Programme for the Advancement of Childhood Education Canada: Partnered in constructing & equipping the Diagnostic & Early Intervention Centre. SPECIAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 18. Diagnostic & Early Intervention Centre: Opened in 2018 to provide psycho- educational assessments and interventions for at-risk students. 19. Mobile Services: The Centre offers mobile assessment services to reach children in remote areas. 20. Training Facility: Serves as a practicum site for student teachers and professionals in psychology and special education. 21. Community Engagement: Engages in community service activities, including health fairs and educational forums. 22. Early Childhood Intervention: Focuses on early identification and support for children with special needs. 23. Lunch Sacrifice: Hosted by the college annually. Students and staff alike sacrifice their lunches to give to members of the Granville Community. GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT 24. Student Population: Grew Fifty highlights for fifty years
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