Education Minister Welcomes New Teachers

Good Morning,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Bermuda Public School System on behalf of the Government of Bermuda and the Ministry of Education.

The orientation for new teachers in the Bermuda Public School system introduces both first time teachers, and teachers who may not be new to the profession but who are new to the Island, and familiarises you with our education system and our country.

New teachers – you have been paired with mentor teachers who will help you to become competent and effective professionals in the classroom. Experienced teachers from overseas – I encourage you to embrace our culture, make connections with our students and enjoy the experience of teaching and living in Bermuda.

Your theme, “A teacher Affects Eternity, and Can Never Tell where the Influence Stops”, clearly focuses on the significance of teachers and your importance to your students, whether it be as an academic guide, moral example, or personal mentor.

Throughout the school year you will have unique learning opportunities. Use these opportunities to your benefit as they will enable you to help our students reach optimal achievement levels as they evolve and develop into critical thinkers.

And – yes – you will experience highs and lows during the school year. This is normal – all teachers have experienced it (in fact, everyone starting out in a new career can tell you about this experience. The key is not to get discouraged.

You have made a commitment to this career and a commitment is a promise to yourself. When you’re committed, you accept no excuses – only results. Commitment means ‘paying your dues’, it also means disregarding your critics.

There are times when you will need to remember Ralph Waldo Emmerson’s quote that: “Whatever course you decide upon, there will always be someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.”

Only you can decide whether the rewards are worth the effort; but I can assure you that they are. Every single thing you do with, or say to students has an impact on their lives and ultimately the success of our country. Remember – “A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.” Ibsen

Welcome – I wish you an informative two days of orientation and much success as you adhere to your commitment for the new school year.

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