Education Ministry hosts leadership forum

Minister of Education, Michael Dowlath, on Wednesday hosted a forum with Principals of Government and Government-Assisted Secondary Schools under the theme “Leadership in Motion – Action Plan Forum.” The session was attended by approximately 125 Principals and 18 School Supervisors III representing the seven Education Districts across Trinidad.

The Ministry of Education’s Senior Executive Team also participated in the forum, which was convened to share the Ministry’s strategic vision, gather feedback, and promote collaboration in strengthening the education system.

Permanent Secretary Claudelle Mc Kellar told the gathering that Principals hold a central role in advancing the Ministry’s goals. He said that school leaders are tasked with translating national education policies into practices that shape the daily experiences of students.

The forum presented the Ministry’s priority initiatives, including universal screening and development tracking, parental engagement, indiscipline management, strengthening of technical and vocational education, the priority schools project, teacher and administrator development, curriculum reform, school supervision, homework centres, infrastructure improvement, human resource management, legislative updates, school nutrition policy, prompt filling of vacancies, and the introduction of digitally enhanced AI-generated textbooks.

Dowlath called on Principals and Supervisors to adopt values-based leadership and engage with parents, stakeholders, and communities to strengthen public trust in education. He said that leaders must serve as the link between schools and the society, ensuring open dialogue and shared responsibility for development.

Principals raised issues related to staffing, vacancies, infrastructure, school security, promotions, and communication with the Ministry.

The Ministry stated its continued commitment to supporting Principals and fostering stronger partnerships across schools, families, communities, and national stakeholders to ensure that students are provided with opportunities to succeed.