Dear Editor,

Kindly allow me space in your publication to wish all teachers in Jamaica and particularly those at Alston High School a Happy Teachers’ Day.

It is an indisputable fact that teachers are very important in our society. Not only do we play an integral role in preparing young minds for the adult economy, but we expose individuals of different ages and social backgrounds to knowledge, moral values, and character traits that last a lifetime.

In all spheres of national life, such as education, nursing, medicine, security, agriculture, business, skilled labour, religion, science, and technology, teachers have prepared individuals to positively impact society. The people who become trendsetters in their respective fields of expertise were influenced and impacted by teachers. We are the backbone of all other professions. Teachers are the salt of the society that gives flavour to tasteless individuals and institutions. Our role in national development is priceless, unquantifiable, and inestimable.

As we pay tribute to our teachers this Teachers’ Day, I implore everyone to give greater respect and recognition to teachers. The best way I believe we can show our respect and appreciation is to celebrate teachers every day in incremental ways. In celebrating Teachers’ Day, we must recognise as teachers that we are celebrating ourselves as part of a great professional history and heritage. Throughout history teachers have always been the thinkers and advocates of society. We have always been the voice and conscience of those seeking knowledge and enlightenment.

Let us remind ourselves that education is the medium by which a nation prepares itself for the advancement and glory of its people, and teachers are the bedrock of this process. Therefore, we must know our worth as teachers and command and demand respect. Let us not allow any weakness or shortcomings within the profession to drive others to make inaccurate moral assumptions about us. Teaching is still a noble profession, comprising men and women of love, honour, integrity, decency, compassion, and pride.

Happy Teachers’ Day to all serving and retired teachers! Thanks for your contribution to society. No one but God can adequately compensate us for the services we provide and the sacrifices we make.

The word is always love for our teachers.

Andre A O Wellington

Dean of discipline

Alston High School

andrewellington344@yahoo.com