Education officials encouraged to foster spirit of cooperation in schools – Jamaica Information Service

Education officials have been asked to foster a spirit of collaboration within schools in preparation for the 2024/25 academic year, which starts in September.

Minister of Education and Youth Fayval Williams made the call while speaking at the Jamaica Association of Education Officers (JAEO) 60th Anniversary Banquet and Inauguration Ceremony held at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in St James on Thursday (August 22).

She noted that collaboration in the field is important to creating a supportive ecosystem for students, which is critical to driving meaningful change and improving academic outcomes.

“To overcome these challenges, collaboration is key. Education is a collective endeavor and the success of the mission depends on the strength of partnerships. We must work closely with school leaders, communities, business leaders, church groups and parents to create a supportive ecosystem for students,” the minister said.

She added, “Together, we can build innovative programs, advocate for the necessary resources, and drive meaningful change… (because) the future depends on all of us.”

Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams expressed her gratitude to past and present members of JAEO for their tireless efforts in laying the foundation for the organization’s 60 years of success.

She encouraged current education officials to continue to inherit and carry forward this tradition, while remaining open-minded and having the courage to “change the script” and seize new opportunities.

In her speech, new JAEO President Melissa Lunan-McTavish noted that association members play an important role in collaborating on ideas that improve the quality of education for students.

“We have 167 members, 167 talented people, and we share ideas and hear more ideas to improve the quality of life for students and, by extension, the nation,” she said.

Ms. Lunan-McTavish stressed the integral role of education officials in policy development, curriculum design and infrastructure planning.

“Without you, the education officials, no policy would be made, no curriculum would be developed, no infrastructure plans or projects would be put in place. As your chairperson, I intend to mark my tenure by vigorously defending the rights and values ​​of all JAEO members,” she said.

The theme of the awards ceremony is “Sixty and Strong: Reflection and Beyond”.