Ministry of Education, Science and Technology officials welcomed newly hired educators and professionals joining the public school system during the New Hires Orientation Opening Ceremony held at the Stephen Dillet Primary School on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
New educational professionals such as teachers, teacher’s aides, guidance counsellors, school attendance officers, and other education professionals attended in person while others from Grand Bahama and across the Family Islands joined in virtually.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper said, “Welcome to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, welcome to a noble profession, welcome to an awesome responsibility.”
The DPM encouraged the new hires to strive to impact the young minds they are tasked with helping to mould.
He said, “Bring your creativity, your energy, your passion! Use technology, understand Artificial Intelligence, learn from experienced teachers, ask questions, seek mentorship. Continue your professional development, but do not be afraid to propose something different, if you believe it would improve teaching and learning.”
Parliamentary Secretary, Sen. the Hon. Keenan Johnson; Permanent Secretary, Neil Campbell and Director of Education, Dominique McCartney-Russell also brought remarks and shared some of their great learning and teaching points.
As the opening ceremony’s theme advocates—”Ready, Set, Unlock: Unlock your Potential, Unlock Your Excellence”—the new hires were challenged to bring their passion, purpose and best selves to this important body of work.
The key focus of the orientation aside from welcoming the hires and encouraging their future endeavours, was to review, establish and train in numerous pedagogy methods, policies and procedures.
Some of the topics included in the two-day orientation were: reviewing ministry standards and guidelines, training on classroom management and student engagement, connecting new hires with administrative leadership and mentorship opportunities, technology integration and a full roster of other relevant items.
Teachers are scheduled to return to the classrooms on August 24, with the official opening of public schools on August 31, 2026.
