The Jamaica Star :: Features :: A 'Phillip' for education

Elgin Taylor, Star Writer

Jason Phillip Bryan - Elgin Taylor photo

The teaching profession has over the years come to be regarded as female dominated. One of the reasons that have been postulated for this situation is the matter of low salaries which are paid to its members.

Jason Phillip Bryan is one male teacher who said that he is not motivated by financial reward and is happy just being a teacher.

"As far as I am concerned it is not about the money," he confided in The Star. "Truth be told I come from a family of teachers and from my early days I have gravitated towards the profession."

Born in Four Paths in Clarendon, Bryan attended the May Pen Secondary School ( now Central High) and later the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) from September 1998-June 2001. He graduated from CASE with a diploma in Primary Education. He joined the staff at his current school, Davis Primary in St Catherine as a Literacy/Computer teacher in September 2001.

"These two areas, computer and literacy are inter-related," Bryan said. "My task is to merge the literary component with the computer technology," he stated.

Effective method

Bryan explained that several types of software, for example those with a phonetic element, can be used to teach the students to read. His method has proven to be very effective.

"I am happy to announce that of 110 students who sat the recently held grade four literacy test, only 24 of them failed to master the exam," he stated emphatically.

Bryan admits to following the general outline of the syllabuses of the Ministry of Education. However, he said that there are times when a teacher has to deviate because of the level of the students. As such, the teacher has to tailor the prescribe programme to fit his or her individual programme.

Another of the observations that Bryan said he had made, has to do with the motivational aspect of multimedia as it relates of the students.

He said students are attracted to the sight, colour and sound of the multimedia apparatus.

The young teacher also shared his civic involvement. These include teaching community members to read, free of charge. At times he also got together with community folks to do necessary work like the cleaning of drains.

This young professional plans on continuing his work in the area of literacy. I can achieve all things in Christ."