US-based Guyanese Deocalli Ramnarine celebrates 46 years in the teaching ...

However, in order to gain a professional teaching license in New York state, Ramnarine needed to complete a master’s degree. Her love for the profession motivated her to make the necessary sacrifice and return to school. She rose to the challenge and taught during the day while attending college in the evening. In 2008 she graduated with a dual master’s in General and Special Education with a concentration in early childhood education.

This year, Ramnarine celebrates 46 years as a prolific educator. She has worked in both private and public schools in New York. She is currently an SI/ABA therapist and works with the Early Intervention Program in New York City as an independent contractor. She has taught thousands of children and has been a positive influence on them.

Ramnarine said she is forever grateful to three outstanding women in her life who made a difference in her teaching career: Beverly Ramnarine, a former education officer/supervisor in Region Six 6 now residing in Canada; the late Florence Sukhdeo, former lecturer at CPCE and UG; and Savitri Balbahadur, former principal of CPCE. These women were great role models and mentors and contributed to making her the person she is today. She emulated them in balancing family with professional responsibilities.

Ramnarine is proud of her achievements. She is also proud of her husband, former deputy auditor general of Guyana, and both of her daughters who learned the value of education. Reshma followed in her mother’s footsteps earning a dual master’s in the same field, and Devala has a doctorate in Pharmacy.

Despite her busy schedule, Ramnarine continues to be involved in community activities. She is currently a member of the Indo-Caribbean Federation and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Teachers touch the lives of their students in many ways. They play different roles: nurturers, parents, counsellors, leaders, and role models. They are also agents of change, acting as key players who influence the struggle for equality and access to quality education. Ramnarine certainly espoused these qualities and is a woman to admire and emulate. She is to be commended for her hard work and long-lasting service in the teaching profession.