The History of the National Teacher of the Year Award
The Bahamas Union of Teachers introduced the “Teacher of the Year Awards” in nineteen eighty-eight (1988) to recognize and pay tribute to the excellent teachers in the public school system throughout The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Awards were presented in four categories which were named after past union executives and members namely Mabel Walker, founder and first president; A. Leonard Archer, former president; Carlton E. Francis, former president; and Mursay Poitier, founding member.
Ten years later, and in continuation of the Union’s efforts to show appreciation to quality teachers, the Ministry of Education and the Bahamas Union of Teachers combined forces. The result was the National Teacher of the Year Award exercise that is organized in school districts and includes primary, all-age, secondary and special schools.
The objectives of the National Teacher of the Year Award are:
- To highlight the significant role of teachers in nation building
- To honor and reward teachers for their outstanding contributions in the field of Education
- To encourage and motivate teachers to perform at high standards
- To provide teachers with the opportunity to showcase and share their teaching talents
- To introduce outstanding teachers to the wider community.
Past Teachers of the Year
First National Teacher of the Year: Kenneth Romer 1998-1999
Second National Teacher of the Year: Barbara Dorsett 1999-2000
Third National Teacher of the Year: Joan Knowles 2000-2001
Fourth National Teacher of the Year: Stacy Stubbs 2001-2002
Fifth National Teacher of the Year: Roderick Rolle 2002-2004
Sixth National Teacher of the Year: Yorick Sands 2004-2006
Seventh National Teacher of the Year: Tamika Cartwright 2006-2008
Eighth National Teacher of the Year: Marcia Musgrove 2008-2010
Ninth National Teacher of the Year: Africa Karamo-Miller 2010-2012