Inspiring hope in the classroom
Amid the spate of troubling incidences plaguing the nation’s high schools, some resulting in tragic ends, educator Danielle Heslop of Clan Carthy High School has
emerged as a beacon of resilience and inspiration.
“I’m not interested in going overseas,” said Helsop, a teacher of language and literacy, who speaks with passion about her dedication to her chosen profession. “Despite all the struggles and obstacles, there is always a reason to motivate me to keep going.”
Heslop, whose career in the classroom started back in September 2020, has a commitment to her students that transcends the classroom.
“When a student who cannot read comes to you in first form, and at the end of grade 11 we see that same student getting distinctions in City & Guilds and CSEC (the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate, and receiving certificates from the vocational areas, tat’s the joy that I get from it,” said Heslop, in emphasising the transformative power of education.
According to Heslop, her approach to teaching is grounded in patience and dedication, which often sees her extending her work beyond the prescribed hours just to ensure every student receives “I reach work about 7 o’clock daily, and I leave most days at 4:30,” said Heslop, highlighting the extra time she is prepared to give to assist students through extra lessons and personalised learning experiences. Heslop has embraced innovative teaching methods such as immersive storytelling, as a
way of engaging her students to foster a deeper understanding of what they are being taught.
“I tend to transform the classroom to match the type of stories that we’re doing...so that they are
comfortable, they can relate to it, they want to participate,” explained Heslop, in illustrating her commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Referencing an episode where she embodied a character from the story Drunkard of the River, Heslop recounts how her students became deeply invested in the narrative, demonstrating the power of experiential learning in the classroom.
Looking ahead, Heslop remains dedicated to her mission of shaping young minds, and believes in the potential for positive change within the education system.
“We have to constantly try as a community and as educators to mould the minds of young people,” she said, underscoring the importance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for students.
As part of her efforts to instil the values of service and compassion in her students, Heslop and her colleagues are planning to launch a service club next year, further demonstrating their commitment to holistic education.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties facing Jamaica, Heslop believes that all hope is not lost to holistically groom Jamaica’s children.