Latoya Burrowes-Duke, serving 17 years in the teaching profession

DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 5, 2018

Witnessing the dedication of her mother in the teaching profession and the many rewards she has received over time, Graduate Senior Teacher at the New Campbellville Secondary School, Latoya Burrowes-Duke said she always wanted to become an educator.

Burrowes-Duke recently celebrated 17 years in the profession. She said despite the few challenges she has encountered over the years, being a teacher is what she does best. “Like every profession, you have your challenges, but the feeling you get when you visit business places and you see students you have taught being productive members of society it is overwhelming. It makes me feel good to know that I actually made an impact on somebody’s life.”

The English major teacher highlighted that her students’ appreciation each year serves as an encouragement; boosting her ability to educate youths. “Last year my students wrote a heartwarming poem and it was well put together. Them saying, “you are the best teacher ever” were words which stood out among the many nice things I have heard,” Burrowes-Duke said.

She added that seeing ‘slow learners’ work together with teachers and putting extra efforts into achieving their goals are moments she lives for.

Burrow-Duke encourages youngsters interested in joining the profession to develop a love for the career before joining. “You have to love teaching, it can be very challenging. We know there are many ups and downs but you have to love it. When you enter the teaching profession you have to give it your best. The students are with us for most of the day, we are like their second parents. They depend on us so much to guide them, to counsel and comfort them. I implore you to understand the magnitude of the job. It is very rewarding.”

Crystal Stoll

Image: Jameel Mohamed

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