Veteran educator urges teachers

By Telesha Ramnarine

A WOMAN who has dedicated 34 years of her life to education in Guyana would certainly know what she’s talking about, when she advises that teachers should go the extra mile in helping their students to understand that they are cared for and loved.

Shirley Madray, 61, perhaps better known as ‘Teacher Shirley’, retired at the age of 55 as the Education Officer, Georgetown office. She was however asked to return as the administrative officer to Assistant Chief Education Officer Ingrid Trotman, who is now the deputy chief education officer.

Speaking from experience, Madray, who was born and raised at Onderneeming, Essequibo, told the Pepperpot Magazine during an interview at her Brickdam office that a child’s attention may be elsewhere in class because of the circumstances in which they left their homes that morning.

“Sometimes these little ones come to school and we don’t know what happened at home, and they’re sad and withdrawn. Sometimes we don’t know if they had breakfast, or if their parents had a fight. So the child can’t focus because his mind is somewhere else. We have to be there for them and find out what’s going on. We need to let them know that we care,” advises Madray.

“We need to go the extra mile. For some children, a smile from the teacher can change their day; a hug from the teacher can change their day,” she added.

But it’s not all the teacher’s job! Madray also has some words for parents, whom she said ought to fulfil their roles in training up their children. Parents today, though, are not like parents years ago who were friendlier, more cooperative and helpful.

“You would see them often, and they would take responsibility. I don’t know if it’s the economic situation or what, but children now have become latchkey, because they are left to open doors and go home and take care of siblings. It’s disturbing,” Madray observed.
Nevertheless, she said, “We have to be friends with our children and talk to them because shouting doesn’t change things, nor does punishment. If you’re a friend to your children, they will tell you any and everything.”

A proud parent herself, Madray did all she could to help her sons, Michael and Carmichael, to get a sound education. Today, having both attended President’s College and studied in Cuba, Michael is an architectural engineer at the country’s major telephone company, while Carmichael is the project manager for the Timehri Airport expansion project.

“Regardless of how busy or tired we are as parents or grandparents, 10 minutes of your time is not too much to give to your children. Whenever a child wants to talk, stop whatever you’re doing and listen. Don’t put off. Our children are our treasures. Children need your presence, not your presents.”

Not renewing
Madray’s contract will be up on June 2, and she has chosen not to renew her contract this time around. Instead, she said she wants to do different things that she never got an opportunity to do, such as pay more attention to gardening.

She will, however, remain in the education sector as she will continue to be a trainer with the Management Programme at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). She is also a practicum supervisor at the University of Guyana, a job that would see her visiting teachers on the job to ensure that they are in keeping with what’s expected of them.

She has also promised to help out Trotman on a voluntary basis, when things get overwhelming in the ministry.

Madray left Essequibo when she was about 22 years old, and attended the Cyril Potter College of Education, where she spent two years to become a trained teacher. Her first job was as an acting teacher in 1985 at the East Street Nursery, after which she went to the Precious Jewels Nursery School in North Road. During her 15 years there, she attended university and received her Certificate in Education in 2001, and her Degree in 2003. She eventually became the head teacher at Houston Nursery, and then South Road Nursery before it became defunct.