Public primary school teachers are presently sharpening their skills at the 2015 Advent Term Teachers' Professional Development Training Days.

The two-day workshops, which concluded today, were held at various locations on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada with sessions focusing on inclusive education.

In an interview with the Department of Information and Public Relations, Acting Chief Education Officer, Mrs. Jillian Douglas-Phillip explained the purpose of the training days, stating, “Since 2013, it has been mandated that there should be two professional development days per term for educators to boost teachers’ development and to ensure they are kept abreast of the latest educational practices.”

Mrs. Douglas-Phillip further commented, “Within the ministry and teaching fraternities, we have identified a number of resource persons who have attained the qualifications and experience necessary to facilitate the sessions. The ministry continues to collaborate with other government departments and private agencies to assist with facilitating some of the sessions.”

The Teachers’ Professional Development Training Days are an extension of the annual Summer Institute, which also focuses on sharpening teaching skills. The institute, which began in the 1950’s, is usually held before the start of the school year.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is committed to creating a “Culture of Excellence” in all the Territory’s educational institutions.