On Friday, August 29th, 2025, ahead of students’ return to the classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year, teachers and administrators from all primary, junior high and senior high schools within the Eleuthera district gathered at the Worker’s House facility in Governor’s Harbour for a one-day ‘Teachers Conclave’.
The event was organized by District Education Officer, Mrs. Fontella Knowles in concert with the Committee for Professional Development (CPD) – chaired by North Eleuthera High School Principal, Mrs. Chardell Gibson, and members; Tanya McPhee-Pinder – Emily G. Petty principal, Shanna Clark – Gregory Town Primary administrator, Christine Brown – James’ Cistern Primary principal, Natasha Bethell-Sands – Tarpum Bay Primary principal, Davia Cooper-Smith – trained teacher at Central Eleuthera High, Loretta Butler – Central Eleuthera High vice principal, and Mechelle Walker – principal at Emma E. Cooper Primary.
With the theme,”Ignite the Spark – Empower, Equip, Inspire”, educators were exposed to skilled presenters in three different sessions. Mrs. Tanya McPhee-Pinder, who was also in charge of protocol, in a brief interview, spoke about the choice of speakers, along with the perspectives and insights they would bring to their audience of local teachers.
The first presenter during the morning session, was Pastor Valentino Williams from New Providence, who was tasked with the goal of inspiring his listeners. “He charged the teachers to be passionate, to be productive, to be agile, and willing to change, because nothing stays the same. We live in a changing world… and the teachers were very engaged,” described Mrs. McPhee-Pinder.
The second speaker, Ms. Syretta Clarke, who presented on the topic, ‘Reclaiming the Teaching Profession’, was a former officer with the Ministry of Education – turned private consultant. According to Ms. McPhee-Pinder, she delved deep into both the challenges and the positives of what it was like to be in the teaching arena – spotlighting both what was acceptable and what was not acceptable.
Dr. Richard Adderley rounded out the presentations, in session three, speaking on – ‘Supporting the Emotional Well-Being of Teachers’. He was described as a very animated presenter, who spoke about ‘Gen X’ and ‘Gen Z’ and the differences. This was important said Mrs. McPhee Pinder with the presence of so many younger teachers in the current school environment, as opposed to the ‘baby boomer’ teachers. “We are changing, and when you look at the students we teach, and look at the teachers in the arena, everything is evolving,” said Mrs. McPhee-Pinder. So, she expected him to be very good at empowering all the different types of teachers coming together, to go forward in the new year, with an awareness of what it took to take care of their well-being, along with the well-being of the students they would serve.
Commenting on the expected impact of the conclave organized by the CPD this year and hopes for the year ahead, Mrs. McPhee-Pinder stated, “Once we give the teachers the tools and they are empowered to do the job they need to do, then we expect excellence, nothing less.”
Coming in between the second and third presentation sessions, a special break was taken by those gathered – and they had the opportunity to engage with vendors from a number of different organizations, which were set up in an adjoining space, along with a special teachers resources table – spearheaded by trained teacher Shadale Mackey-Cooper, filled with printed resource materials for teachers of various grade levels. Bahamian authors Mr. Tellis and Mrs. Teri Bethel were present – sharing information on a plethora of Bahamian books available to educators. The Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve membership team, along with Anastacia Rigby, Education Officer, also had a display area set up showcasing the environmental educational activities and membership opportunities the Preserve offers.
District Superintendent of Education (DSE) for the Eleuthera District, Mr. Harcourt McCoy, took to the stage following the presentation sessions, and engaged with the body of educators gathered to give his charge. The goal of his speech, said Mr. McCoy, was to get teachers inspired as they began the new year, “We know that it’s not all perfect, but we have to be perfect for the students who are going to be there… expecting us to be fired up and ready to go…Everybody has to pull their weight, know their role… and know that they are required – not just wanted, but needed.”
Special presentations were also made to teachers who served on various committees throughout the previous year, as the conclave wrapped up, ahead of the beginning of the first week of school.
One week earlier, on August 19th, 2025, Prime Minister Philip Davis, as keynote speaker at the national teachers conclave in New Providence, gave a powerful speech, where he first expressed gratitude to educators across the country, for their hard work, and personal investment, stating, “Thank you for the work you do every single day. Thank you for the patience you show, and the sacrifices you make”. He emphasized the importance of transformational leadership in education, saying, “Leadership in education cannot be about survival… It is about refusing to accept mediocrity”. He urged administrators to inspire greatness in students and teachers, encouraging them with the belief that “you have greatness inside of you”. He pointed out that leaders should look ahead to what could be, focusing energy on heading in that direction, rather than allowing themselves or those they lead to get mired.
He highlighted the need for equipping teachers and school administrators with the necessary tools and resources and spoke about the raising of standards, asserting, “Raising standards means creating schools where respect, discipline, and responsibility are non-negotiable”. He also advocated for inclusivity, insisting that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of their background or ability. Davis described excellence as a culture built “brick by brick, day by day” and must ensure that “every child leaves our schools literate, numerate, and confident”. He also acknowledged that education is a collective responsibility that belongs to parents, to communities, to the church, and to the private sector.
In closing, Prime Minister Davis pointed to the long-term impact of education, saying, “The young people walking into your schools today will one day carry the weight of leading this country. How they lead, what values they uphold, what skills they bring — that will depend in large part on what we do today. So, let us recommit ourselves. Let us hold firm to the belief that every child matters. Let us work with courage, with humility, and with love. Because at the center of education is the child — and when we put the child first, we put the future of The Bahamas first. Thank you, may God bless each of you.”
School for students formally began on Monday morning, September 1st, 2025.
