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It was William Butler Yeats, an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature, who said that “education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”This statement in essence speaks to the important role of teachers who are the key figures in the learning process and whose task was especially emphasised yesterday (October 5) when World Teachers’ Day was observed.Under the theme “A call for teachers”, teachers around the globe were recognised for their contributions towards education and the shortcomings within the various countries’ education systems which have, to some extent,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, hindered optimum performance, were highlighted.GTU President, Colin BynoeWorld Teachers’ Day was first celebrated on October 5, 1994, an observance which has since been ongoing annually. On this day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Education International, encourage the celebration of the important role that teachers play in providing quality education, at all levels.  It also commemorates the anniversary of the 1966 signature of the “UNESCO/International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation, concerning the Status of Teachers”.And Guyana certainly embraced the observance, although it went by without too much hype and fanfare.Nevertheless, the auspicious day was recognised as a time for reflection and the dawn of efforts to embrace measures to help improve the state of the education system.Very vocal about the need for improving the environment in which teachers operate was President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Colin Bynoe.Bynoe, a teacher for 36 years, has been the head of the GTU for the past three years and over that period has not failed to emphasise the need for addressing concerns in the local education system.His proactive approach has been to engage dialogue with Government through the relevant officials within the Ministry of Education. And there have been some positive results, he intimated, during an interview with this publicationBynoe has simultaneously been very vocal in his call for teachers to not only upgrade their qualifications,Air Max 98 Gundam Release Date, but also to deliver a better quality education even as they embrace the use of Information Communication Technology in the classrooms.“I know it is going to be difficult for some people, but if we put our heads and shoulders to the wheel, we can help in bringing about a change in our education sphere,” Bynoe articulated.He disclosed that as Head Master of the Port Mourant Secondary School for the past seven years he has been able to develop an appreciation for the importance of teachers’ upgrading,Wholesale Jerseys, particularly as it relates to ICTs.Policy revisionAnd although there is currently an existing policy within the school system, whereby teachers as well as students are not allowed to use their cellular phones, for example, during instructional hours,Cheap Jerseys From China, Bynoe is convinced that such a move could be revised.He amplified that instead of banning the use of technological gadgets altogether, they can be used effectively in the teaching system. He pointed out that instead of fostering a system where children are forced to “thief” the opportunity to use their devices, they could in fact be guided on making use of them in a more effective manner, even to read articles after which questions can be asked.“Rather than putting them out, have firm rules against those who go against what is the intentional use of the devices…and if somebody messes up, they must get branded.”He alluded to the fact that the University of Guyana has already embraced the principle of ICTs, whereby students are asked to submit work via email.“We need to move further than that and strive to introduce it from the lower level of education,” said Bynoe, who made reference to the One Laptop Per Family initiative as a vehicle to encourage such practices.And once the school system is able to effectively embrace the notion of ICTs,jerseys from china, Bynoe is hopeful that the Education Ministry can develop a suitable policy and put measures in place to ensure that it is monitored.Better quality educationAnd there is no doubt in the mind of the GTU President that many teachers across the country are striving to do their best. He noted however that, though dedicated, some teachers are not getting the needful support at all times. And one of the concerns observed countrywide is that some parents are neglecting to do their part in partnering with the school system with a view of ensuring that their children are properly educated.“When students are finished in the classroom and they go home there is not too much follow-up that would really help to re-enforce what the teacher would have done in the classroom…”Moreover, Bynoe is advocating for a drastic change in this regard whereby parents (or guardians) of children are mandated to show more interest in the schooling of their children.  And certainly this does not mean all parents must be well educated themselves, since according to him, the simple act of ensuring that children are given timely meals or are reminded to complete their homework are steps in the direction of effective partnership.But partnering with parents is not the only strategy to achieving a better quality education. Bynoe noted that teachers’ ability to tutor can often be constrained by a number of poor conditions such as unacceptable physical teaching environments and overcrowded classrooms. These issues have on repeated occasions been highlighted and must be addressed if the performance within the school system is to significantly improve, the GTU President opined.“If we are going to ask our teachers to do better in the delivery of education it also behoves the employer to ensure that we look at the challenges and address them.”In addition to ensuring that the environment is conducive to teaching, Bynoe spoke of the importance of having an ideal ratio of teacher to students, which can make the teaching/learning process more manageable.“Manageable to me means one teacher to 20 pupils in the primary school and one teacher to 25 students at the secondary level… This will allow for more individualised attention…,” Bynoe asserted. “Once such measures are put in place,Cheap Air Max 2018 Shoes, teachers will understandably be accountable for the performance of those under their tutelage.”Remuneration factorBut even with all other measures being put in place, there is no greater motivating factor than the passion for teaching. And since it has been recognised that teaching is crucial for nation-building, Bynoe is confident that attractive payment for teachers must be the priority of any Government.He disclosed that currently statistics are available to show that remuneration of teachers in Guyana is currently at the lowest when compared to other territories.“Some people can’t believe what our trained teachers are getting…it is truly unbelievable that in some territories it is more than US$1,000; but this isn’t happening in Guyana,” Bynoe mused.It is for this reason, he noted, that the GTU has been advocating for a 100 per cent raise in teachers’ remuneration. However such an increase, he pointed out, will have to mirror the type of output realised in the country’s classrooms.“This means if I pay you well I can demand a greater quality of work…” said Bynoe, who underscored that “if tomorrow we hear that the Ministry is willing to give teachers a 100 per cent increase we will be happy.”Although the union had in 2011 negotiated for a 10 per cent increase for teachers, the Ministry was only able to offer a five per cent increase, a payment basis that will continue until 2015. However, Bynoe is confident that moves are being made in the right direction for the overall improvement of the education system.