PORT ANTONIO, Portland — The four decades of service that Claudia McLean has given to the field of education have not gone unnoticed as the now-retired principal of Norwich Primary School in Portland was showered with praise during a recent ceremony.

McLean, Norwich’s first past student to become its principal, was lauded for being someone who made a difference, who gave fearless service and showed unquestionable leadership. She was moved by the kind words from community members, the staff she led for years, and other members of Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA).

“My mother will always tell me that ‘self-praise is no recommendation’ but this evening I will say without fear of contradiction that I made an impact on the institution that I love dearly, Norwich Primary School,” she told those who gathered in her honour at Rafter’s Rest, St Margaret’s Bay, on April 18.

Ironically, there was a time when she was not sure she wanted to be an educator.

“While being a pre-trained teacher I had second thoughts about career choices. I applied to the Dental Auxiliary School to become a dental nurse. I was invited to do the entry test, went to Kingston, and came back home and applied to the then Passley Gardens Teachers’ College and Mico College [now Mico University College]. I got through but decided to go to ‘The Mico’,” said McLean.

She graduated in 1984 and she is grateful she had an opportunity to be a teacher at Norwich. It began with a four-month stint but eventually became much more.

“Fate would have it that Port Antonio Primary had a major problem and was ordered closed. Several students migrated to Norwich and so my stay was extended to July 2023, [a total of] 39 years” she said.

McLean’s accomplishments over the years include being seconded to the New Horizon Project to fulfil the role of JTA liaison officer. She also co-authored two books used by social studies students in grades four and five, in addition to doing a revision of the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) curriculum.

JTA President Leighton Johnson was among those who spoke of her impact.

“Her willingness to go beyond the call of duty to ensure that both her students and teachers were developed holistically and reached their true potential sets her apart as an exceptional educator. This exemplary individual has also been an ardent advocate for the profession, championing the rights and welfare of the teachers throughout her career. Her leadership qualities and her advocacy efforts have greatly contributed to the conditions in which teachers carry out their invaluable work — not only throughout Jamaica and Portland but specifically Norwich,” he said.

In the citation, read by Rev Dwayne Grant, McLean was hailed as a fearless leader and visionary with unquestionable leadership skills. It also noted her efforts to improve the school’s numeracy and literacy levels, and her tireless efforts to track down students who were missing from online classes during the pandemic.

“When students could not be accounted for she walked the train lines, climbed up the hills, made phone calls, and ensured that her teachers had their students. The teachers were encouraged to stay online where she monitored them and the students,” the citation said, in part.

During the ceremony McLean was serenaded by saxophonist Duvier Forde who played Kenny Rogers’
Through the Years, and soloist Martine Graham who sang Beres Hammond’s
I Feel Good.