Daren Jairam
Daren Jairam
Southeastern Conference (SEC) Office of Education recently held its spring professional development seminars for all SEC schools. Miami Union Academy (MUA) hosted all schools in south Florida on Sunday, February 17, 2019, and all other teachers met at the Conference office on Monday, February 18. The topics of discussion were essential to ensuring each teacher could successfully provide a safe, engaging learning environment for all students.
Gavin Gaynair, vice principal at MUA, provided training on the importance of implementing differentiated instruction in the classroom. Teachers were reminded that education is an equilateral triangle, a balance between teacher, students, and curriculum, and neither aspect is more important than the other. Teachers recognized that differentiated instruction promotes high standards while equipping each student for success in meeting the learning goals.
Marlene Jairam, MUA’s home and school leader and board member, conducted an awareness seminar on child abuse and suicide prevention. Jairam was assisted by her colleagues, Joanne Labossiere, Judy McCalla, Ph.D., and Paul Walker, Ph.D. The four presenters brought their expertise in social work, psychology, and mental health to the seminar, and discussed matters relating to the safety of students in the schools. The topics ranged from being able to identify red flags of abuse, to how to report suspicion. Teachers were reminded that they are mandatory reporters, but not responsible for investigating suspicion of abuse. Teachers were also educated on signs of suicidal tendencies, and how to address students who may be contemplating suicide.
The training received was timely, beneficial, and useful for Conference teachers. Barbara Davis, Ed.D., Southeastern superintendent, did an excellent job choosing the topics and presenters. Teachers left feeling more confident about how to best meet the needs of their students while ensuring the safety of each child.
Southeastern | June 2019
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