Special Education Needs (SENS) Teachers Receive Critical Training to Enhance Support for Students

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 24th March 2025: The Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS) in collaboration with the Department of Education, hosted an intensive Special Education Teacher Training on March 20, 2025. This initiative brought together special education teachers from public and private schools from across the islands, equipping them with essential skills and strategies to better support students with diverse learning needs.

The workshop, led by SENS Behavioral Analyst, Christina Joseph, Speech-Language Pathologists, Jamiliya Jordan, and Caleb Hunter (Intern through Therapy Abroad), focused on evidence-based practices in communication development, behavior management, and classroom interventions tailored for students with special needs. Teachers gained hands-on experience in developing individualized support strategies, improving engagement techniques, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

In attendance throughout the training was the Minister for Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Permanent Secretary, Mr. James Astwood, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Amin McCartney, and Director of Education, Mr. Mark Garland, reflecting the Ministry’s strong commitment to advancing special education. Their presence underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education for students with special needs and provide continuous professional development opportunities for educators.                                                                                                                            Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of SENS, emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development in the field of special education. “Our numbers show that speech and language delays, as well as behavioral challenges, remain among the most prevalent issues affecting our students. By investing in our teachers, we are ensuring that students receive the best possible support in their classrooms.”

The training is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance capacity-building within schools and strengthen collaborative efforts between educators and clinicians. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving special education services and ensuring that every child has access to quality education tailored to their needs.

Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, commended the initiative, highlighting its role in building human capital within the education sector. “Strengthening the skills and expertise of our educators is an investment in the future of Turks and Caicos. When we equip teachers with the necessary tools to support children with diverse learning needs, we are not only improving educational outcomes but also fostering an inclusive society where all students can thrive.”

The Department of Special Education Needs Services extends its gratitude to the facilitators, participating educators, and all stakeholders who continue to champion the cause of special education.

For more information on upcoming training sessions and special education initiatives, parents and educators are encouraged to reach out to the department at sens@gov.tc.