NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2024 46 and many other institutions in between. Here is a short list of those who did the marathon: · Burnet Birthwright Coke, Speaker of the House (of Representatives), 1955 to 1962 · Tacius Golding, Speaker of the House of Representatives, 1962 to 1967 · Carl Marshall, Member of Parliament (Clarendon North-Western) 1989-1997; Speaker, 1993 to 1997. · Clifford Clarence Campbell, Member of the House of Representatives for Westmoreland Western, 1944 to 1949. He served on the Board of Education 1944 – 1945. He also served on the House Committee on Education from 1945 to 1949 and later became Speaker of the House of Representatives, from 1950 to 1955; before being elevated to the lofty position of Governor General in 1962. · Edwin Leopold Allen, member of the executive, JUT; 19531955 Member of House of Representatives and Minister of Education. 1962 – 1972 Member of Parliament and Minister of Education. · Howard Cooke, Minister of Education, Member of the JUT, President 1958, founding member of the People’s National Party, 1938 and one of the drafters of the Party’s constitution. He was a member of the West Indies Federal Parliament, 1958 to 1962. He served as a Senator from 1962 to 1967 and President of the Senate, 1989 to 1991; as a Member of Parliament from 1967 to 1980, a Minister of Government, 1972 to 1980 (1974 – 1977), serving in various portfolios –Pension and Social Security, Education, Public Service and Labour. He was made Governor General on August 1, 1991. · Burchell Whiteman, Elected to Parliament representing the constituency of St Ann North Western 1992 – Minister of Education, Minister of Information, 2002, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, 2007 to 2009. · Ruel Reid, 38th President, Jamaica Teachers’ Association, 20052006, Senator, 2013-2019, Minister of Education. · Violet Neilson (nee Stewart), Member of Parliament, St James East Central, 1989-1987, First female Speaker of the House, 1997-2003, and first female President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society. This is but a short list of distinguished educators, teachers, who have made a tremendous impact on the Jamaican political and social life. A more extended list would show how the Jamaica Union of Teachers and, its successor, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association impacted the social lives of Jamaicans over the past century and a half. Patrick Smith is a historian, former President of the JTA, and a serving Trustee. JTA 60TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE THE JTA continues to promote sports among its members. Cricket continues to excite as was seen in a nail-biting thriller for the finals of the 2024 JTA-sponsored Errol Miller T-20 competition among the parishes. CRICKET, LOVELY JTA CRICKET The Manchester Parish team captain in the JTA Errol Miller Cricket competition, Gregory Bent, proudly receives the trophy from JTA President Leighton Johnson and Professor Emeritus Errol Miller. The occasion was the finals of the competition at the Ultimate Sports Complex on Thursday, April 25. Manchester won the toss and elected to bat and in the end won the match against St Thomas. Manchester batting first made 160 runs off 20 overs and, in reply, St Thomas pushed hard but were prevented from winning by some good bowling from the Manchester side who relegated them to only 158 runs off their 20 overs. Members of the victorious JTA Manchester Cricket team and supporters participate in the presentation of the JTA Errol Miller Cricket trophy after the team defeated St Thomas in nail-biting finish at the Ultimate Sports Club, Discovery Bay, St Ann, on Thursday, April 25, 2024. Pictured are (from left) Liaison Officer Colin Spence; Regional Officer Georgia Waugh Richards; Team Manager Patrick Reid; 5th from left is Joan Blackwood Simpson, parish president for Manchester, and Past President and team member Jasford Gabriel. JTA President Leighton Johnson (9th in line ) and Professor Errol Miller (10th) present the coveted trophy to the players. Also pictured are National Sports Committee Chairman (partly hidden) Kemar Bailey and Regional Officer for North East Devon Meek. THE HELEN Stills Professional Development Day this year focused on how passion and professionalism could be used as tools to shape the future of education. The Day was observed, May 9, during Education Week, at Bahia Principe Resort, St Ann, against the backdrop of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Karla Hylton, author and educator, delivered a powerful message encouraging educators to find their passion and act with professionalism.“I believe that passion is that spark that ignites your calling. It is that invisible thread that binds you to your students. Professionalism is the continual honing of your craft. It demands that you lead by example. You must demonstrate to your students the value of punctuality and decorum and, of course, it requires commitment from each and every one of you to ensure that you deliver the best possible education for every student,” said Hylton. Hylton reminded educators that teaching is not just a job but a transformative endeavour that shapes futures, forges leaders, and fosters entrepreneurship. Furthermore, she charged educators to remember that it was not what they teach, but how they teach that would foster a sense of trust and a culture of growth. Hylton is also reminding educators that while teaching is a demanding job and they are using the passion and professionalism to ignite inspiration and instil greatness, they should also prioritise self-care. In relating her own experience, she mentioned how she went to “the precipice” after burnout and lack of self-care. “We must take care of ourselves,” she said.“Fuelled by passion and professionalism, you will build a brighter future. You are the architects of a brighter tomorrow. I charge you to continue inspiring, empowering, and transforming lives,” said Hylton. Teaching with passion and professionalism Author, educator urges in Helen Stills Lecture
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