{"id":319960,"date":"2024-04-04T07:00:29","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T11:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=319960"},"modified":"2024-04-08T09:34:46","modified_gmt":"2024-04-08T13:34:46","slug":"dat-president-teachers-must-tackle-disunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/dat-president-teachers-must-tackle-disunity\/","title":{"rendered":"DAT President: teachers must tackle disunity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Mervin Alexander addressing teachers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) Mervin Alexander believes that Dominican teachers appear to be divided.<\/p>\n

He made the remark while addressing teachers during the DAT 17th Biennial Convention held at the Goodwill Parish Hall on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom my observation on attending various meetings of teachers unions in the Caribbean region and the Americas, Dominica teachers appear to be the most divided, and we need to stop and think about the implications of that disunity,\u201d Mr. Alexander remarked.<\/p>\n

He continued, \u201cPermit me to say we need to take a leaf from the pages of the Grenadian Union of Teachers, which to my mind is the best organized union in the OECS.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Alexander pointed out that this union has organized branches in every parish in the country with their own executive.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have their own group health medical insurance and at one time they had their own credit union\u2026,\u201d he noted. \u201cThey also hold an educational conference every year to educate and train.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Alexander is of the opinion that every teacher in Dominica should be fully knowledgeable about the Dominica Association of Teachers because it is the agency that represents teachers in Dominica.<\/p>\n

He said teaching and learning are the core activities of a school.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should make good use of every minute of invaluable instruction time on enhancing students’ learning,\u201d Mr. Alexander stated.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Mr. Alexander said teachers play a pivotal role in the life of each and every student.<\/p>\n

According to him, a teacher need not be perfect, but a teacher ought to be knowledgeable to provide the students with the right information.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeachers are a source of information; some students even follow the footsteps of their teachers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

He went on to state that as teachers, apart from striving for advancement in academic achievements, \u201cwe also nurture students with good and proper attitudes and values.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Alexander indicated that teachers must continue to offer countless opportunities for students to take part in various co-curricular activities and community service to broaden their exposure and insights.<\/p>\n

He believes that the achievements of a school do not come easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe drive for excellence deeply permeates the school\u2019s culture,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

He thanked the many teachers and principals for their professionalism and commitment to building a solid foundation for students at the various schools across the island.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlso, to the past leaders of this organization, for their dedication and hard work,\u201d Mr. Alexander said. \u201cTo the parents, I also say thank you for taking an active role in the support of the schools and students for your diligent work and engagement in your school activities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, during the convention, the DAT recognized members who have given many years of service to the association.<\/p>\n

The members were presented with a token of appreciation.<\/p>\n

The DAT 17th Biennial Convention is being observed under the theme: \u201cArtificial Intellegence: Its Implications for Education.\u201d<\/p>\n