“A good education can change anyone; a good teacher can change everything.”

On Thursday, November 30, 2017, Carlong Publishers hosted  the largest single celebration of Jamaican teachers at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. And it was an affair fit for royalty! 

The Carlong Publishers Teachers’ Appreciation Luncheon saw 100 teachers from all six regions across the island being honoured for their unwavering dedication to the education of the nation’s children. The luncheon, held in association with the Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC), was expertly hosted by Ms. Dahlia Harris and included captivating speeches lauding the teaching profession from Dr Winsome Gordon, Director of the JTC; Mrs Georgia Waugh-Richards, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA); and Ms. Candice Carby, General Manager of Carlong Publishers.

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Criteria for Awards

In addition to the rich ambiance and delectable food, the afternoon was filled with much excitement as the teachers accepted their Excellent Teacher Award plaques and gift certificates of 50% discount off select Carlong titles. The list of awardees has grown remarkably from 12 teachers at the first luncheon in 2010 to 100 distinguished and qualified teachers, recognized for outstanding performance in their profession and significant contribution to their school communities. The Excellent Teacher Award is governed by the Jamaica Teaching Council and is issued under criteria such as professional training, subject certification, motivation of students, involvement in academic and social programmes and organizations, and presentation of academic material.

 Do it for the Love, not for the Likes

The luncheon provided the ideal forum for the discussion of the benefits of teaching as a profession, as well as the common challenges experienced by teachers islandwide. Mrs. Waugh-Richards passionately conveyed the undeniable relevance of teachers in the Jamaican society and lobbied for teachers to “do it for the love, and not for the likes”, despite the challenges.

Carlong’s Teachers’ Appreciation Luncheon was conceptualized by Director Carl Carby during Teachers’ Week in May 2010 in accordance with Carlong’s role as “partners in the education process”. The Carlong family has worked and continues to work closely with teachers to provide students with expertly curated, high-quality educational material.