Maverick of Education, Jody Brown
Teacher of the Year
Photography by Jik-Reuben Pringle.
Teacher of the Year, Jody Brown, is our Pitch Maverick of Education. Since receiving his teaching honour in 2022, Jody has used his position to create the Jody Brown’s Boys Symposium to support young boys on their education and life journey. Jody conducts workshops and trains teachers across Jamaica to assist in motivating and improving the quality of their teaching and learning.
How long have you been a teacher, and what do you love about teaching?
I have been teaching for approximately 15 years, and my love is inspired by the change I see in those I have taught.
You are the former teacher of grade 5 at Morant Bay Primary School in St. Thomas and recently took up the position of Lecturer at The Mico University College in the Human Ecology and Hospitality Services Department; who or what was the catalyst that inspired you to become a teacher?
In retrospect, all my mentors are teachers, and they saw in me what many did not see, so I think unconsciously, this inspired and propelled me into the teaching profession.
What reactions have you received from family and friends since being crowned LASCO Teacher of the Year 2022?
My family, in-laws, and church family are ecstatic about me being the recipient of this award.
Since becoming Teacher of the Year, you’ve launched Jody Brown’s Boys Symposium to support young boys on their education and life journey. Can you please talk us through the initiative and plans?
The Jody Brown’s Boys Symposium initiative has been a huge success. The support from all stakeholder groups was phenomenal. It focused on “at-risk” primary school boys. The aim was to remind them that there is greatness within and that they can become great men in society. I am currently in dialogue with the JTC Director of the Boys Mentorship Programme to seek further mentoring for the participants. I plan to launch a scholarship to assist one of the participants as they move to the secondary level. Hopefully, this can lead to the launch of my foundation, which will provide the platform to help even more boys.
What does it mean to be a Master Teacher in Jamaica?
Being a Master Teacher in Jamaica means that you are given the opportunity to impact the lives of other teachers on a wider scale by sharing your skills and expertise.
What challenges do you face as a teacher in Jamaica?
Firstly, there needs to be more resources to adequately carry out teaching and learning. Secondly, the indiscipline of some students, but with mentorship our future leaders could become better role models in our society.
What support do you believe teachers in Jamaica need for them to continue in their role in Jamaica without having to look abroad for opportunities?
We need more monetary incentives, such as a liveable wage as well as recognition for their hard work in the education system.
How do you intend to use your position as Teacher of the Year to continue to do good for your community and others in Jamaica?
I have already started by conducting workshops and training with teachers across Jamaica to assist in motivating and improving the quality of their teaching and learning. I also have a few projects already being acted on, like acquiring musical instruments to form a boys’ band, sourcing a bus for my school so children can travel safely to and from school, and organising parental forums.
Interview by Sherry Collins.
