Educators are pillars of society, says 2023 ‘Teacher of the Year’

Felix Brown

There was a ‘guard of honour’ at the Bethlehem Boys’ RC School, Besson Street, Port of Spain for ‘Sir’—Standard Two teacher Felix Brown, the Frank B Seepersad Teacher of the Year recipient 2023.

Brown received his award at the Trinidad and Tobago Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) awards ceremony on Sunday, January 28 at Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre, St Ann’s.

A Teacher 1 primary Port of Spain and Environs, Brown has been teaching since 2008.

In a message to fellow teachers, he said, “reaffirm your position as pillars of society.” Brown said teachers are the foundation of society but despite this, perception of teacher prestige has deteriorated and there is lack of respect and at times “unrealistically high expectations”. The Covid-19 pandemic worsened negative perceptions and he believes the profession must be reaffirmed as a viable profession.

“The message is that teachers, as professionals, are important. Teachers mentor, educate, and motivate students from infancy to higher education. Teachers can make a difference in terms of social justice, equality, and national development,” Brown said.

He highlighted the “unsung heroes”, teachers working quietly in communities assisting special needs students while silent about the many challenges they face.

Among the activities which helped Brown earn the award, he successfully implemented and spearheaded the chess club, gentlemen’s club, and sports committee at the Bethlehem Boys’.

Brown has a Bachelor of Education Degree and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management-Associate of Business Executive. In 2021, he began pursuing a Master of Science degree Child and Youth Studies at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine. He has been a TTUTA School Representative since 2019.

Photo by Ivan Aleksic on Unsplash