Teachers in Cayman come from around the globe, bringing diverse teaching methods, experiences, and knowledge. To gain deeper insights into the challenges and rewards of their profession, we asked four teachers to share their perspectives with us.
Melissa Brooks
Melissa Brooks teaches Years 1-6 at Lighthouse School, working with students with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.
What’s your best technique for grasping everyone’s attention in class?
In a Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) classroom, gaining all students’ attention at the same time looks like bringing them all together and bringing the activity to their attention and allowing them to touch or feel the object.
Which famous actor would you love to invite into your class to read out loud to the children, and which book would it be?
Jim Carrey, dressed as the Grinch, to read Dr Suess’s 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'. He would bring the book alive for the students. They would be able to feel his costume and hear his authentic Grinch voice!
What is your favourite movie and why?
My favourite movie is 'Encanto' because it portrays real-life problems such as family drama and ends with a strengthened family bond.
Which of your current or previous colleagues do you admire the most and why?
Mrs Dorothy Bodden-Wilson. She was once a teacher, then a Deputy Principal and is now one of my Assistant Teachers. The way her passion still burns for each and every student and her energy to keep pushing through after all these years in education inspires me, and I am so grateful for all that she does in our classroom.
Has the introduction of technology in the classroom changed the way you teach?
I grew up with technology so it’s all I’ve ever really known. In my classroom, technology gives my students a voice in the form of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
Do you have a fun activity you add to the timetable to boost spirits and keep the children motivated?
I incorporate sensory breaks into my schedule where the kids have a time to choose what sensory activity they want to do and allow them some time to explore that activity. Some of these activities are playing with shaving foam, popping bubbles, reading a textured book and playing with cloud dough.
Rene Harrison
Rene Harrison was drawn to professions such as Social Work and Child Psychology but chose teaching to help children reach their full potential. She is a Year 4 teacher at Red Bay Primary School.
How has teaching changed or evolved since you first became a teacher?
I'm coming from the era of 'chalk and talk', so teaching has undergone significant changes since then. As well as advancements in technology, there is now a greater emphasis on differentiation, socio-emotional learning and catering to diverse learning styles to meet the needs of every student.
Which famous actor would you love to invite into your class to read out loud to the children, and which book would it be?
Tom Hanks to read 'Charlotte's Webb'. His storytelling ability combined with the timeless charm of the book would surely captivate the students and ignite their imagination.
Do you think there should be more opportunities to teach outdoors in Cayman?
Absolutely! The natural beauty of the Island provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor learning experiences that foster creativity, exploration and a deeper connection to the environment. RBPS has created such a space, it's called our 'Literary Cafe' and it is a great outdoor teaching area.
Who was your favourite teacher as a child and why?
Mr Amos Thompson. He had a very fun and supportive approach that made learning enjoyable and accessible to everyone in the class. He went out of his way to recognise each student's strengths and encourage their individual growth, instilling in me a lifelong love for learning. He's the reason I am a teacher today.
Do you have a fun activity you add to the timetable to boost spirits and keep the children motivated?
The weekly 'mystery box challenge'. I fill a box with various objects related to our current unit of study or a specific theme, and students take turns guessing what's inside based on clues. It's a hands-on, interactive activity that encourages critical thinking, curiosity and teamwork, all while fostering a sense of excitement and anticipation in the classroom.
Kate Molitor
Kate Molitor began teaching in the US 14 years ago. She is now a Year 1 teacher at Island Primary .
What has been the best moment of your career?
I’m brought back to a time when after two years of working with a struggling reader, the student came to me with words from the classroom that were super complex and had them feeling frustrated and down about their own reading abilities. I supported them by breaking these words into syllables, and then the student successfully applied their decoding skills to read each word. The beaming grin and sense of pride that was radiating from this student will forever be in my memory.
Funniest thing a child has said to you at school?
“Ms Kate, do you have a silver-coloured pencil? I need to draw the silver bits of your hair.”
Do you have any tips for parents who struggle to get their children to read at home
Ensuring children have the proper literacy foundations is key to helping a struggling reader. When students have the phonics knowledge to breakdown a word into syllables and see the individual sounds that make up a word, they feel their own success and confidence begin to grow. Try to make reading fun! Read a recipe while baking, read directions to a game, read the rules posted at the water park, read boxes in the grocery store, read aloud to your child, listen to books on tape, read books outside, there are endless opportunities to incorporate a bit of fun into reading practice.
If you could take your class anywhere in the world, where would you take them?
I’d take them on a trip to my hometown, Chicago. It's a place that I love! We would visit the museums, go on a river tour, take the train to the forests for a nature walk, and enjoy some deep-dish pizza! Something all my students know I love!
Has the introduction of technology in the classroom changed the way you teach?
Technology has provided a lot of ease and global expansion of the curriculum in my classroom. I’ve been able to connect my students to scientists in Antarctica, activists in Hawaii, authors in Australia and China, and more. Technology has given me the opportunity to broaden the student’s global views and provided them with connections to incredible people beyond the community they are familiar with.
Kimberley Yapp-Brady
Kimberley Yapp-Brady began teaching in 2002, gained a degree in Law in 2007 and is now Acting Deputy Principal at Sir John A Cumber Primary School.
What has been the best moment of your career?
This would be the recent grand opening of the school’s new sensory/calming room that has equipment and resources available for students in need of sensory regulation. The successful project included working with community stakeholders, and one of the best groups of specialist staff on the island.
Which famous actor would you love to invite into your class to read out loud to the children, and which book would it be?
I would invite Morgan Freeman to read 'Wonder' by RJ Palacio. A story about a boy with a facial difference navigating school and friendships, it emphasises the need to be accepting of others and the importance of showing kindness.
When did you decide to become a school teacher and why?
I decided to become a teacher because of a personal experience I had with a teacher from my childhood. She made me repeat daily positive affirmations and it had a significant impact on my life. This inspiration gave me the desire to have a similar positive influence on children.
Which of your current or previous colleagues do you admire the most and why?
Mrs Valerie Thompson, a previous colleague who has now retired. I admire her because it was through her love of teaching and involvement in school activities such as dance and sports, that I realised teaching is not just in the classroom.
What has been your greatest concern for children in recent years?
I have become increasingly concerned about students’ behavioural challenges. I have observed that their mental and emotional well-being is at risk due to events linked in their home. This may be due to the experience of trauma or failing marriages. Unfortunately, students become distracted in school, lack focus on their academic work and sometimes express anger towards teachers and other students.
