Marcikie Henry-Gayle - Elgin Taylor

It may be widely known, especially in the school's locale, that Marcikie Henry-Gayle is an English and Spanish language teacher at Bog Walk High School in St Catherine. However, what may not be readily apparent is the dedication and depth of character that characterises this young educator.

"It all started when I was attending St Jago High School. I recalled that I used to keep summer classes for members of the community and also members of my church," she told The Star.

So strong was this urge to be a certified teacher that after graduating from St Jago High in June 1999 she entered Mico Training College (now Mico University College) in September of that same year.

She studied English and Spanish languages and graduated three years later with a teacher's diploma. Later in 2007, she enrolled at the Mico University College and read for a Bachelor of Science degree in social work. But why social work in particular she was asked.

"I was drawn into social work because I realised that as a classroom teacher many of the students have social problems including poverty, parental neglect, abuse, smoking and other behavioural issues," noted the very articulate educator.

She said that she came to this conclusion after having had several discussions with the parents and making home visits. She posited that the education of the students are beyond chalk and talk and textbook knowledge.

"The social and psychological welfare of the students are key, so too the kind of environment in which we operate," she noted.

Appoint social workers

Henry-Gayle has also made the observation that the time has come for the Ministry of Education to appoint social workers in the system.

"Somehow we are missing this important link in the education system. We may have one or two guidance counsellors in a school, but this is not enough. The education ministry needs to appoint full-time social workers in the system. Look at my case: I teach Spanish and English to 13 classes of grades 8 and 10 students each week, with an average class size of 40. I have to focus on the core job - teach, develop lesson plans and mark scripts. This leaves little time to deal with counselling, personal development sessions, home visits and to interact with social agencies," she stated in despair.

Like many other schools of this type, she said that there are concerns regarding the calibre of students entering the institution via the GSAT and GNAT examinations. However, she mentioned that the school's administration has put in place free after-school remedial classes. Regrettably, she said not many students have taken up the offer.

She said that she too has given extra time geared at enriching the educational and social well-being of her students.