Erdiston Teachers’ Training College host virtual graduation

Erdiston Teachers’ Training College held its first virtual Graduation Ceremony on Saturday night celebrating the Class of 2020.   As COVID-19 still looms, the Board of Management saw it necessary to develop a new plan to honour the 221 graduates with the same fanfare.

“We are proud of you and your achievement and refused to allow the current COVID-19 situation to rob us of the pleasure of seeing you bask in the glory of your success,” Principal, Dr. Patricia Saul expressed during the ceremony held under the theme “Crafting a New Vision!”.

She said that the pandemic has brought about a crisis of great proportions worldwide, however at the same time it has given rise to a new burst of creative energy at the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College.

Not only has the College moved all courses to the online platform, but also has started to craft a new vision for teacher education in Barbados.

“Indeed as I speak, we have established a committee to develop a new strategic plan for the college that will see changes in the areas of programming, delivery of instruction, assessment, professional development and outreach services to the community,” she pointed out.

“But, the vision that we are crafting for teacher education as we look towards the future, goes beyond the hallowed walls of Erdiston Teachers’ Training College. That vision is realised in the classrooms across this island as successful graduates become involved in generating knowledge; become involved in reflected practice; become involved in pursuing research; become involved in professional conversations about their practice – so that they are constantly improving on their expertise – that is the vision that we want to craft for teacher education.”

Chairman of the Board of Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, Dr. Sylvia Henry also reflected that the   past few months have been like no other seen in our lifetime.

“We did not invite COVID-19, but this pandemic has become a reality – it is here and it has affected our lives drastically. However, let it not delimit our destiny,” she urged.

“Graduands, Erdiston College has prepared you for a productive future in education – our students, our schools need you now more than ever. Our country needs your contribution now more than ever. Do not allow the circumstance brought on by a pandemic to curtail or daunt your plans for a remarkable future in education.” (TL)