NASSAU, Bahamas, December 20, 2022 — Great strides are being made in Bahamian education as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today between the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training and Barry University that addresses one of the most critical shortages, which is the provision of educators with training in special education.
According to Dr. Jill Beloff Farrel, Dean and Professor at Barry University, the MOU focuses on producing Master Teachers equipped to train other educators by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the needs of students with special needs.
Dr. Jill noted that due to the shortage of trained special education teachers, children who have incredible potential are often held back. “This is because they (the students) haven’t been in the hands of teachers prepared to meet their needs,” she said.
While bringing remarks, Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin exclaimed that all students should be given the same opportunities to function at their full potential.
“The educational system is required to meet students where they are at. We do not want our children to fall between the cracks. This MOU is an enlightened extension of what we are already doing in education. This is a very important initiative, and we are thankful to Barry University for their partnership,” Minister Hanna Martin reiterated.
The minister noted that within 18 to 24 months, the country should begin to see the rollout of special needs teachers.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training’s headquarters on University Drive.
