Nicola Francis - Contributed

Members of the teaching profession have been criticised in recent years for a lack-lustre approach to their job and the poor performance of their students. This charge, however, does not apply to Nicola Francis, a grade six teacher at the Bridgeport Primary School in Portmore, St Catherine.

When The Star spoke to Francis recently, her hard work and dedication were apparent not only in her schoolwork, but in the wider community as well. This begged the question as to how she was able to carry out all these tasks.

"I have to try to manage my time. It is all about time management," she stated.

Francis disclosed that her regular work time was 8 a.m., ending at 2:30 p.m. However, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, there is an extra Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) class which goes up to 5 p.m. Then, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, her students are afforded the opportunity to be further tutored in an extra class from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There are also Saturday and Sunday classes.

Francis emphasised that at these extra classes, money is not the main objective as all students are taught whether or not they made a contribution.

Francis holds the post of senior teacher. Her main duties involve being in charge of students' welfare. This portfolio takes in the planning and implementation of a breakfast programme for needy students and the sourcing of school uniforms. In addition, she is involved in fund-raising activities and also sees to it that students in the wider institution get proper dental care.

This young, energetic educator and community builder also functions as the secretary of the Bridgeport Citizens' Association and the police youth club, is a board member of the Quarry Advisory Committee, and is secretary for her divisional committee.

Performance

Francis shared that over the years, her students have performed well in the GSAT examination by gaining places in the high schools of their choice (usually traditional ones). Last year, they managed to cop two government scholarships.

She spoke glowingly of seeing the joy on their faces and of the appreciation shown by their parents. She added, however, that success was also measured by seeing the incremental progress they made daily in their school work.

The two-time Mico University College graduate - diploma in secondary education (2004) and bachelor's in school leadership and management (2011) - is from a family of educators. She is a past student of Bridgeport Primary who became a member of staff on September 1, 2004.

Francis revealed that on receiving the students at the start of the school year, it is customary for her to conduct a diagnostic test to identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to determine how to proceed with her teaching. The students are motivated through the awarding of certificates and badges for academics and through motivational talks.

Francis boasts of a supportive staff and an excellent group of parents.

Her philosophy is: "Do the best you can, while you can." This is the approach she brings to her work and the kind of thinking and attitude she tries to inculcate in her students.