FOR students and teachers of the Elderslie Primary and Junior High School in St Elizabeth, Teachers’ Day was special, and could signal a turning point in the relationship between the parties.

Like most schools, Elderslie has had its fair share of indiscipline among the 353-student population. Consequently, the idea of turning the tables and allowing students to function as administrators for the day was an eye opener for many students who participated in the day’s role-playing activity.

“Usually we would disobey our teachers, but now that I am in their position, I now understand them better. As of today we will try to be more co-operative with them,” admitted Lechelle McKnight. The ninth grader was the principal for the day. The exposure, she said, would go a far way in helping her to be more responsible and will allow her to manage her affairs as she gets older.

McKnight’s staff was made up of vice principal Keno Reid, three senior teachers, Toshiba Dixon, Preston Bowen and Michael Nelson as well as 16 other teachers.

The “one-day teachers” were each given a topic on which to develop lesson plans. And in order to allow the students to put their plans into operation, school principal, Girzel Waite and other staff members vacated the staffroom for the day and moved into the smaller office normally used for guidance counselling. According to the elated Waite, it was fun watching the young teachers “cope” with their peers.

“It is a gratifying experience. They are motivated and the discipline today is exceptional, I hope to see a different school as of today,” she said. Waite added that she was very impressed with fourth grader Naomi Dennis, Adonike McDonald of grade three and Chantell Dunn who is in the fifth grade.

And seventh grade teacher Mellesia Morgan said she felt like a student again, although she had to assist the student who took over her class for the day. Morgan said she felt sure that the students got a good feel of how teachers would want them to respond.

“I saw some of them getting frustrated, so it was good experience for them of what teaching is all about,” she commented.

Meanwhile, the dreadlocked vice-principal Reid, who is a ninth grader on a normal day, agreed with his teachers. He told the Observer that the experience was a privilege.

“For me it is a privilege, and I have learnt from the experience. It has helped me in my leadership abilities, my language and how to address people. I now look at teachers differently and would urge all student to give teachers more respect as they are doing a great job,” Reid said.

School principal Waite added that the day’s activity, coordinated by senior teacher Clavie Johnson, scored high marks among the teachers and students. As a result, Waite said the school would consider repeating the activity from time to time.

And after what was an enjoyable day for them, the real teachers left for Little Ocho Rios where they unwound for the rest of teachers’ day.