Sharlene Fagan - Elgin Taylor photo

The challenges that face teachers in today's education system is enough to cause them to flee or withdraw from the profession. It is even more daunting if the teacher concerned has very little experience. This is the kind of scenario with which Sharlene Fagan, who teachers English language and English literature to grades seven-nine students at Tredegar Park All-Age School, has to contend with on a daily basis.

The teacher, who has been at the school since leaving college in 2005, told THE STAR that her main challenges are the disruptive behaviour of some of the students and their inability to read. But in the face of all this, the young Dinthill Technical High School past student has stood her ground.

Giving voluntary service

"Shortly after I started teaching, I noticed that a number of the students had this habit of staying outside," she stated.

"A number of them would also disturb the class and cause problems for those who really want to learn. I soon realised that it was no good trying to teach in that kind of atmosphere," she remarked.

Fagan said one of the strategies she used was to let them do service in the tuckshop and canteen whenever they misbehaved. She said shortly after she noticed that they were practically begging to go and help out in these areas, and that gradually the undesirable behaviour improved.

She also pointed out that she visited Jonathan Grant High School and asked the principal for intervention strategies to deal with the disruptive behaviour of the students. She said that armed with these measures, she went back to her school and formulated a policy guideline which has been producing results.

In addition, her school has been working closely with the Peace and Justice Centre (facilitated through the guidance counsellor's office), and with the police.

In respect of the reading problem, she has also seen improvements. She said that the school has obtained the services of a very good reading teacher, who supports the strategies articulated by the literacy coordinator. Fagan revealed that she also serves on the literacy committee at the school.

writing prowess

But this enterprising graduate of the University of the West Indies (bachelor's degree in English language and English literature) and The Mico University College (teacher's diploma in English language and English literature) is not satisfied with the present situation.

"Recently, I have completed a workbook for grade-nine students. It was born out of the need for suitable materials for that class. I have been using it with my class and shortly it will be available in the book stores for the use of other teachers," she noted.

She emphasised that the welfare of her students and developing her writing prowess are uppermost in her mind as she looks towards the future.