'I am happy with teaching'

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Portland:

Having initially harboured thoughts of becoming a nurse, Shaneka Clarke decided to switch professions when she realised she had developed a liking for teaching.

Now 31 years old, Clarke is enjoying her fourth year at Portland High School in the parish, where she teaches students from grade nine to 11 who are preparing for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate exams.

"I'm convinced that I made the right switch," said Clarke.

She added: "I have always wanted to be a nurse, but after assisting some family members and neighbours with their schoolwork during my high school years, I was encouraged by my mother to give the teaching profession some serious consideration. And so after graduating from Titchfield High School in 1998, I worked as a receptionist for three years and saved for college. I started attending Shortwood Teachers' College in 2005 and graduated in 2008-2009. Since then, I have been teaching at this institution."

Clarke recounted that while at college, she encountered many challenges and often, she was without money to purchase basic amenities. According to her, it was sheer determination that allowed her to remain focused, and with encouragement from her mother, she just had to succeed.

Despite the many financial challenges, Clarke said that attending teachers' college groomed her tremendously, allowing her to become a more positive person, which led her to relate better to people and to interact and socialise with just about anyone.

Clarke, whose hobbies include playing volleyball and netball, also said that she is a loyal fan of international track star Usain Bolt, who, she believes, has done Jamaica proud internationally.

Academic development

The mother of a 10-year-old boy, Clarke boasted that she is happy with her choice of teaching as she has developed a craving to assist with the academic development of younger persons.

She noted that there are many challenges in the classroom. She shared that there have been many instances when she has had to assume the role of both teacher and parent, especially when encountering students from depressed communities who display high levels of antisocial behaviour.

"That's the time when the parenting skills are needed as some students are in dire need of a hug or for someone to simply show them a little love and attention. They need to be told that they are special," said Clarke.