Dr Valda Henry to teachers: You implement reform, drive transformation

Deputy Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Dr. Valda Henry told Dominican educators that they are “the drivers of transformation.”

She delivered the featured address at the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) 18th Biennial Convention held at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall on Wednesday under the theme: “Teachers: The Foundation For National Development-Value Us.”

“And at the center of all of this transformation lies who? Teachers, you. You are the ones who must translate curriculum into meaningful learning experiences,” she said. “You bridge the gap between policy and practice. You are not just implementers of reform, you are the drivers of transformation.”

She continued, “…One thing I want you to leave here from this little speech is that you as a teacher, you are a driver of transformation.”

Dr. Henry defined transformation as not only incremental, noting that it also encompasses big thinking and big approaches.

“And you have a [face] that says there is nothing and no challenge that I cannot overcome to be that transformation, that is me,” she stated.

Advocating for up-to-date educational implements, she went on to add, “So we must be clear, we cannot ask teachers, however, to prepare students for the future using the tools, training and curriculum of the past.”

Expecting teachers to cultivate digital skills, critical thinking and innovation requires that they be equipped accordingly, pointed out Dr. Henry. However, she also urged the teachers to be proactive.

“And you too must also take a responsibility to equip yourself,” she emphasized. “So, it is a two-way street. It is not just people investing in you, you too must invest in yourself.”