It was William Butler Yeats,Cheap Jerseys From China, an Irish poet and one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature, who said that “education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.”This statement in essence speaks to the important role of teachers who are the key figures in the learning process and whose task was especially emphasised yesterday (October 5) when World Teachers’ Day was observed.Under the theme “A call for teachers”, teachers around the globe were recognised for their contributions towards education and the shortcomings within the various countries’ education systems which have, to some extent, hindered optimum performance, were highlighted.GTU President, Colin BynoeWorld Teachers’ Day was first celebrated on October 5, 1994, an observance which has since been ongoing annually. On this day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Education International, encourage the celebration of the important role that teachers play in providing quality education, at all levels.? It also commemorates the anniversary of the 1966 signature of the “UNESCO/International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation, concerning the Status of Teachers”.And Guyana certainly embraced the observance, although it went by without too much hype and fanfare.Nevertheless,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, the auspicious day was recognised as a time for reflection and the dawn of efforts to embrace measures to help improve the state of the education system.Very vocal about the need for improving the environment in which teachers operate was President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Colin Bynoe.Bynoe, a teacher for 36 years, has been the head of the GTU for the past three years and over that period has not failed to emphasise the need for addressing concerns in the local education system.His proactive approach has been to engage dialogue with Government through the relevant officials within the Ministry of Education. And there have been some positive results, he intimated,China Jerseys, during an interview with this publicationBynoe has simultaneously been very vocal in his call for teachers to not only upgrade their qualifications, but also to deliver a better quality education even as they embrace the use of Information Communication Technology in the classrooms.“I know it is going to be difficult for some people, but if we put our heads and shoulders to the wheel, we can help in bringing about a change in our education sphere,” Bynoe articulated.He disclosed that as Head Master of the Port Mourant Secondary School for the past seven years he has been able to develop an appreciation for the importance of teachers’ upgrading, particularly as it relates to ICTs.Policy revisionAnd although there is currently an existing policy within the school system, whereby teachers as well as students are not allowed to use their cellular phones, for example, during instructional hours, Bynoe is convinced that such a move could be revised.He amplified that instead of banning the use of technological gadgets altogether, they can be used effectively in the teaching system. He pointed out that instead of fostering a system where children are forced to “thief” the opportunity to use their devices, they could in fact be guided on making use of them in a more effective manner, even to read articles after which questions can be asked.“Rather than putting them out, have firm rules against those who go against what is the intentional use of the devices…and if somebody messes up,Wholesale China Jerseys, they must get branded.”He alluded to the fact that the University of Guyana has already embraced the principle of ICTs, whereby students are asked to submit work via email.“We need to move further than that and strive to introduce it from the lower level of education,” said Bynoe, who made reference to the One Laptop Per Family initiative as a vehicle to encourage such practices.And once the school system is able to effectively embrace the notion of ICTs, Bynoe is hopeful that the Education Ministry can develop a suitable policy and put measures in place to ensure that it is monitored.Better quality educationAnd there is no doubt in the mind of the GTU President that many teachers across the country are striving to do their best. He noted however that, though dedicated, some teachers are not getting the needful support at all times. And one of the concerns observed countrywide is that some parents are neglecting to do their part in partnering with the school system with a view of ensuring that their children are properly educated.“When students are finished in the classroom and they go home there is not too much follow-up that would really help to re-enf