Participants of the training hold up their certificates.
PHILIPSBURG--A professional development programme designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy instruction among kindergarten teachers has concluded after more than four months of training.
The Literacy and Numeracy Training initiative, organised by the Division of Public Education in collaboration with the St. Maarten National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), ended on September 30.
The programme began on May 20 at the University of St. Martin and provided kindergarten teachers in Cycle 1, Groups 1 and 2, with instructional strategies focused on foundational reading, writing and mathematics.
Through sessions held between May and September, teachers strengthened their understanding of foundational literacy and numeracy and developed approaches to support young learners entering kindergarten.
Participants also received updated teaching materials and resources and developed curriculum materials for literacy and numeracy instruction as part of the programme.
A follow-up meeting will be held with the Head of the Division of Public Education and school managers to share the curriculum materials developed by the participants and discuss how they can be used to strengthen instruction in schools.
Marcellia Henry, Secretary-General of the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, thanked the trainers and participating teachers and credited UNESCO funding with making the initiative possible.
“Investing in our teachers is an important step towards strengthening the foundation of learning for our youngest students.”
Special recognition was given to trainers Marva Sam-Arrindell and Juliana Hodge-Shipley for their expertise and commitment to the programme.
Appreciation was also extended to Miranda Morris-Carty, Dutch Coordinator for the Division of Public Education Schools, for her leadership and coordination, and to Claudia
Connor, who identified the need for the training and submitted the project during her tenure at the Division of Public Education.
The Division of Public Education and the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO said the programme forms part of their efforts to strengthen early childhood education, support teachers and improve literacy and numeracy instruction.
