World Behaviour Analysis Day In Bermuda
[Written by Vejay Steede]
World Behaviour Analysis Day is set to become an annual celebration of the work that Educational Therapists [ET] and Educational Therapists Assistants [ETA] do in the Bermuda Public School System [BPSS]. This is the newest mandate from the Department of Education, which treated the ETs and ETAs in the system to a surprise luncheon on Friday, March 20.
The day, which was chosen to honour noted psychologist, behaviourist, inventor, and social philosopher, B.F. Skinner, who was born on March 20, 1904, is designed to observe and celebrate the innovations and advancements in behavioural science – and the people who use them to help humanity every day.
The Bermuda Department of Education jumped on the opportunity to shower appreciation on the ETs and ETAs after Georgina Tucker-Bell, ET at Whitney Institute, approached Assistant Director of Safety, Health and Wellness, Lisa Swan with the idea to initiate an observance of the work they do on World Behaviour Analysis Day this year.
The inaugural event – a luncheon held at the Kalmar Richards Conference Room on the CedarBridge Academy campus – was a complete success, with the vast majority of the ETs and ETAs in the BPSS responding to the somewhat late invitation, and all in attendance thoroughly enjoying the gesture, as well as the camaraderie and appreciation on tap.
Education Officer for Behaviour, Declan Harris, pulled the event together, and had some wonderful things to say about the honourees. “Educational therapists bridge the gap between academics and emotional regulation. By identifying the root causes of disruptions, they provide targeted interventions for neurodivergent or struggling students with behavioural concerns. They empower teachers with de-escalation tools and help students master self-regulation, shifting school culture from reactive discipline to proactive, inclusive support. ETs play a vital role in our schools that is often unheralded. Today we celebrate their work.”
ETs and ETA enjoy some long overdue recognition on World Behaviour Analysis Day. Photo taken by Xave Smith, CedarBridge ‘Class of 2026.’
AD Lisa Swan was unable to attend the luncheon, but she did send a very special recorded message to the group, thanking them for the very difficult work that they do on a daily basis, and wishing them well.
As for the honourees, they were more than grateful for the recognition, appreciation, and affirmation that this special event delivered.
CedarBridge ETA, Terral Burgess-Christopher was full of gratitude for the recognition, “Attending our first Annual Behavior Analyst Luncheon was a truly special experience for me. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the dedication and effort that often goes unseen. Being surrounded by colleagues who share the same passion reminded me why this work matters so much.
“This celebration filled me with pride and gratitude. It highlighted not only the importance of the work we do within the ministry, but also the strong sense of purpose that drives us every day. I am truly appreciative of the opportunity to serve, and events like this reinforce the value and impact of our collective efforts.”
Don Vickers, who serves the students at Elliott Primary as an ET, added some philosophical points. “I definitely think this is a great show of appreciation and gratitude for the work that’s done by educational therapists, and the services that we do provide. You know, it’s a thankless job, so it’s good to be celebrated – and why not be celebrated a bit more? So, you know, I propose we make it every term, every month – make it annual, right? I really do, because that camaraderie, that level of appreciation and team building is what ultimately drives us to keep us motivated to have success.”
The often-unnoticed work of addressing problematic behaviours is taxing, and everyone in attendance on Friday echoed the sentiment that appreciation for the work that ETs and ETAs do in the BPSS really should be more common.
Samantha Balchand, who serves as a Behaviour Specialist at CedarBridge Academy, said, “This first-time recognition is more than a moment; it is the beginning of a continued commitment to fostering environments where all students can thrive. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this milestone both meaningful and impactful.”
Mrs Tucker-Bell, who sparked the entire thing, was very optimistic that this will become an annual celebration of the vital role that ETs and ETAs play within the BPSS each and every day. “So, this is the beginning of our yearly celebration of educational therapists and educational therapist assistants for all that they do – we rock!”
Yes. Indeed, you do rock.
