Venesia Stewart - Elgin taylor

Elgin Taylor, Star Writer

At nine years old Venesia Stewart was often observed playing with her siblings and neighbours in Crofts Hill district in Clarendon. However, the game was not 'hide and seek' nor even 'dandy shandy'. Young Venesia was engaged in playing school.

She told THE STAR that during these games she was always the teacher. She would give the 'students' work to do and at the end of this exercise, she would make sure to mark their books and her register.

"I guess I always knew that I would end up being a teacher," she said.

"It has taken me some time to reach here, but I am right where I want to be," she stated in a confident tone.

She then added, "Except for the fact that I am currently seeking my first job as a trained teacher."

Training

Stewart, who a month ago completed a teacher's diploma course in primary education at Moneague College in St. Ann, revealed that the only teaching job she had before was a brief stint at Power Plus Computer Centre in Ochio Rios, St. Ann in the parish. She taught the science of computers mainly to adults and she said it was a rewarding experience. Prior to this, she took a course in information technology with the Heart Trust/NTA .

During her training at Moneague College, she had the opportunity to see first hand how well the theoretical aspect of her training informs or conforms to the practical on-the-job experience. Her conclusion suggests that she was fairly well prepared.

This teaching practice which lasted for 12 weeks was done at Moneague Primary School.

Noisy students

However,she mentioned inst-ances of the noisy behaviour of some students.

She attributed this vulgar occurence to the influence of the society. She said that this did not deter her, and so she set about devising strategies to cope with it.

"I used a number of strategies and finally we came to a mutual agreement that whenever they hear me play a piece of instrumental music, they should cease their chatting," she recalled.

She said that during the early stages she played the music a lot, but in time they learn to conform.

Looking to the future

The vibrant Stewart who said that she is passionate about education, was very involved in several areas of college life. For instance, on occasions she served as manager for both the basketball and cricket teams. She stated that her teams vied for supremacy in the Inter-Collegiate competitions, and that they were not disgraced.

She said that her short encounter with teaching so far has got her thinking of doing a course in guidance and counselling in the near future. When pressed for the reason of this decision, she explained: "You see, it's all about the students. I believe I am a good listener and people tend to confide in me quite easily. So, I could greatly assist the students with whatever behavioural problems they may have. I also see myself in due course becoming a university lecturer or a school principal."