PRESS RELEASE
FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION,
YOUTH AND SPORTS
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Monday, 17 March 2025: A delegation of kindergarten teachers led by Miss Heidy Williams, the Education Officer responsible for Early Childhood Education, and Dr. Keran Williams, the Education Officer in charge of training and mentorship, recently attended the 44th Annual Illinois ASCD Conference under the theme Pump-Up Primary. This prestigious event gathered pre-K, kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade educators from across the United States and beyond, emphasising best practices, emerging trends, and research-based strategies to support primary education. The kindergarten teachers were eager to engage with new literacy and numeracy development approaches, classroom involvement, and student-centered learning. These insights will enhance their teaching and significantly improve foundational education in these islands, ultimately benefiting the educational experiences of our young learners.
The conference featured inspiring keynote speakers, including Tron Young, who delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the evolving role of education- challenging educators to consider whether they are simply providing information or impacting students’ lives. Another keynote speaker, Adam Peterson, emphasised the power of building strong relationships with students, reinforcing meaningful connections that foster academic and personal growth.
The Education Officers expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to attend the Illinois ASCD Conference alongside a dedicated group of kindergarten teachers. They highlighted the invaluable insights gained, the engaging discussions, and the impactful strategies that will enhance early childhood education in the TCI. The experience was inspiring and transformative, reinforcing the importance of continuous professional development. They returned with fresh perspectives, innovative teaching strategies, and renewed motivation to enhance learning experiences for young children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Minister of Education, the Honourable Rachel Taylor commented, “Investing in the professional growth of our educators is investing in the future of our nation. The insights gained from the Illinois ASCD Conference will undoubtedly enrich early childhood education in the Turks and Caicos Islands, empowering our teachers to foster stronger foundations for lifelong learning. We commend our Education Officers and dedicated kindergarten teachers for their commitment to excellence and their unwavering dedication to shaping young minds.”
