Carmina Bryan, an alumna of Northern Caribbean University (NCU)–a Seventh-day Adventist institution in Jamaica, was recently named Teacher of the Year 2024 in the country by the Lascelles Chin Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth & Information, and the Jamaica Teaching Council.

Bryan, who graduated from NCU in 2011 with a bachelor of arts in secondary education and teaching, attributes her success over the past thirteen years to the strong foundation she received at the university. She was recognized with the special award on Dec. 6, 2024.

Reflecting on her time at NCU, Bryan recalls how the institution provided financial support through the work-and-study program and a network of mentors that helped her excel.

“NCU was a game changer for me. It was the best decision I ever made,” Bryan shared. “I couldn’t see myself excelling had I not attended this institution. The work-study program connected me with some of my ‘destiny helpers,’ and I learned invaluable lessons in humility, kindness, and acceptance. The encouragement I received was more than I could have hoped for,” she added.

In congratulating Bryan on her well-deserved recognition as Teacher of the Year, NCU president Dr. Lincoln Edwards praised her as a “shining example of the difference-makers and human improvers that NCU produces.”

While at NCU, Bryan also improved her personal and professional development, fostering her desire for learning.  Her second practicum experience at Manchester High School showcased her dedication and commitment, earning her a full-time teaching position at the respected institution. For the past 13 years, Bryan has made a significant impact, demonstrating her teaching expertise and leadership.

At Manchester High, she is a team leader, grade supervisor, member of the appraisal team, and trained mentor. She is a dedicated teacher of the English language, English literature, and literacy with a proven track record of improving student outcomes. Through her hard work and commitment, students in the Literacy Intervention Program, once reading at the pre-primer and primer levels, were able to successfully pass the English Language test both internally and externally.

“I am passionate about creating a culture of excellence and making a positive impact,” Bryan shared. “I’ve also implemented programs that drive students’ transformation, growth, and development.”

Bryan currently serves as a staff advisor for the Manchester High School Tourism Action Club through where she engages students in learning about the tourism industry while also encouraging them to give back through charity initiatives and environmental preservation projects.

“I will soon be promoted to Master Teacher, and I plan to use this platform to make a significant impact, not just at Manchester High School, but across the broader education sector,” Bryan shared.

Her journey to becoming an educator was not without its challenges. As a young girl, Bryan’s childhood dream of becoming a teacher seemed out of reach. She spent four years in high school, grappling with the complexities of life, and became a young mother twice before earning her school leaving or examination certificates. Yet, her determination never wavered. With the support of her community, Bryan worked in various roles to provide for herself and her children, eventually qualifying her as a pre-trained teacher. She later enrolled in the teacher education program at NCU, where her passion for teaching was fully realized.

Bryan’s commitment to professional development is evident in her impressive array of certifications, which include Designing and Facilitating Online Teaching and Learning from The Mico University College, a Diploma in Business Management Supervision Level 3 from NVQ-J, and Technology Integration for Online Learning from the Department of Computer and Information Sciences at Northern Caribbean University, among others.

Her academic and professional journey highlights her unwavering dedication to education, particularly through the integration of technology and innovative teaching strategies. As a seasoned educator and the 2024 LASCO Teacher of the Year, Bryan continues to inspire excellence both in the classroom and beyond.

“I want to encourage young people to embrace their challenges and discover their purpose,” Bryan shared. “They should focus on their dreams and aspirations, as that will fuel their passion. It’s also important to build meaningful relationships and honor God, and He will honor you in return.”

The original article was published on the Inter-Amerian Division news site.