President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT), Mr. Mervin Alexander, expressed that he is confident that teachers will be able to effectively tackle this academic year despite the new online modality.
He stated, “As we continue to navigate these unchartered waters, relating to the impact of Covid-19 on all of us, it is amazing to see the lengths that teachers have gone and continue to go in order to support their students and to continue their learning.”
Moreover, Alexander notes that the distant learning format may prove challenging but he believes that the training that the teachers have received will help them to better cope with this new modality. Furthermore, he urges all teachers to stay connected to both their students and the parents. He recognizes that parents will also be taking on teaching roles while having to navigate the other overwhelming aspects of their lives. Accordingly, he calls on the teachers to work with the parents as well as pleads with the parents to respect the remarkable efforts of the teachers.
Additionally, Alexander explains that teachers should create an environment whereby parents are encouraged to ask questions or seek guidance on any academic related matter.
Importantly, the president of the DAT has requested that teachers keep their expectations realistic during this new school year. He voiced, “Teachers keep your expectations realistic. I know you would like to think that your students will be at the same level that they would have been at the end of the term or school year if teaching was face to face.” “But, is that possible? Is that wise?” he questioned.
With that said, he stated that the key to navigating the semester is by getting to know the students and getting through to them even from a distance.
While Alexander stresses the role that teachers are expected to play, he does not turn a blind eye to the challenges that they may face. He expressed empathetically, “I am aware of some of your challenges such as not having your own device by one reason or the other, having to travel via public transportation to get to school, having to share limited space with other colleagues, just to name a few.” He is hopeful that the Ministry of Education not only seeks to provide devices to the students but also to the teachers who facilitate the learning process.
“Finally I again urge teachers to be responsible and please get vaccinated. Don’t become a spreader but one who is trying to halt the spread,” he concluded. According to him, the Dominica Association of Teachers has already lost one teacher to the Covid-19 virus and they would not want to lose anymore. He expressed condolences to the family and urged the teachers, parents and students to place God at the center of this academic year 2021/2022.
