Blog

Those with school-aged children can attest to the positive role that most teachers play in their children’s lives. Many parents have often expressed that they “don’t know how teachers are able to do it”. Add a pandemic to the mix and the trials of digital learning and even more parents may admit that teachers are really heroes among us. Kervin Preudhomme is one such teacher who is dedicated to his “babies”. For him, teaching is not just a job, but a vocation.

When I was just one year old, my mom left Trinidad to seek a better life in the US so I lived with my dad in Malabar. However, when he went to work at night, I stayed with my grandmother in his home village of San Rafael. Sadly, when I was five years old, my dad died in a vehicular accident so I was without my biological parents at a very early age. My grandmother, accepted the full responsibility for my parenting and I must say that she tried her best. She was strict but very loving. She ensured that I had all that I wanted. I credit my success to her stern yet caring nature. Although I did not have many of the things that other children had, like the fancy sneakers and the brand name school bags and clothing, I valued the little I had due to her guidance. To this day, I still hold her teachings dear to my heart.

Growing up, I was inspired by many of the teachers that I encountered in primary school. Kudos to the teachers at Brazil R.C. School! These teachers encouraged me, inspired me, moulded me and supported me. I admired these teachers so much. I remember imitating them when I was at home playing by myself. However, as I entered secondary school and then university, I thought about being a geologist and entering other fields.

I spent one year at The UWI, pursuing a field that I didn’t love. I was flunking courses which was even more mentally draining because I had never failed a subject in my life before. Due to many personal, financial, emotional and mental struggles, I dropped out after my first year. During this break, I applied to work at a banking institution and stayed there for the contracted six-month period. After that, I was unemployed for eight months. It was during that time that I realised that my “calling” was to teach. While I was helping out at my former primary school by training the students to sing for their graduation, a sense of fulfilment came over me. It was then and there that I made up my mind to apply to teach. Of course, with the encouragement of one of my former teachers at the school. I have never looked back.

“BIG MAN DOES CRY”

Throughout my journey as  a teacher, I have experienced many highs and very few lows. I do believe that teachers are under-recognised, undervalued and often not appreciated. I’m sure one would have seen throughout the pandemic that social media feeds were abuzz with criticisms of teachers. Yes, there are some that give the profession a bad name (but in any profession the same could be said). However, there are many teachers like me who put our students first and work assiduously to ensure that we do what we fulfil our duties. Apart from those moments of despondency, I live for the moments when my babies (as I call them) would smile and write notes (and in this digital period, send emails) saying that I am “the best teacher” that they have ever had. It’s also a tremendous joy seeing former students, excelling now in their various endeavours. Those moments are priceless and I wouldn’t lie, ‘BIG MAN DOES CRY!’

Like any career, I have also encountered challenges during my twelve years as a teacher. I have met and dealt with difficult administrators and parents. These challenges however made me more resolute to continue doing what I was called to do. I do believe that teaching is not a job but more so a vocation. During these moments, my Roman Catholic faith kept me going. God led me to this field of work so when I feel discouraged, I turn to God. I try my best to impart the same faith I have on my students as I firmly believe that nothing is impossible without God.

“The digital divide”

During the pandemic, my greatest challenge has been trying to deliver the curriculum effectively for all learners. I do prefer the interaction associated with face-to-face teaching and learning as online delivery has been quite taxing for both teachers and students. The digital approach, though quite beneficial in many respects, requires a lot more time and skill to be able to effectively keep all engaged, while ensuring that they are all learning. But this is the age we are in and we must adapt.

A lot has been done (as can be done) during these unprecedented times but the unfortunate reality is that there will always be a digital divide since many children live in areas where telecommunication services and signals are poor, inadequate or non-existent. In these circumstances, the teachers can only do so much. I believe that while corporate Trinidad has come forward and gotten involved, others, especially those that operate in rural or underserved communities, should play a greater role in the sustainable development of their fence line communities.

I thank God for blessing me with great teachers throughout my school life. I think I have tried to mirror their dedication, work ethic and their attitude towards teaching and learning. I credit my success to them. This goes to show the impact that teachers can have on one’s life.

I know that I will be involved in teaching for years to come as I continue to be inspired by people and their lives. There is a lady who I call ‘Mom’. She was my second year teacher and she has been through a lot. She has lived through lupus and its many pains, and other domestic and personal challenges. Yet, she remains strong and still loves and cares for all she meets. She endures her daily pains gracefully and still offers a smile or a good word and extends a good deed to anyone she can help. She inspires me so much.

I think the profession needs more men and more young men at that. Our boys need to see positive male role models.
When I retire, my hope is that I will be remembered for being kind, dedicated, inspiring and loving. I hope that my former students would have achieved what they set out to do and be positive role models to the younger generation.

Kervin holds a Bachelor of Education degree from The University of Trinidad and Tobago and has completed numerous education and teaching courses. In addition to his profession and vocation as a teacher, Kervin loves music and is worship leader at his church. He is also actively involved in parang and is a vocalist and percussionist with “Los Buenos Parranderos”