One cannot underestimate the value a teacher brings to every classroom – Education; Experience; Empowerment. As the Italian proverb goes, a teacher is like a candle that burns itself, illuminating a path of limitless possibilities for students. And most people have had that one special teacher who was a beacon of light in their lives, who believed in them even when they didn’t believe in themselves. “More Than a Teacher” pays tribute to the dedicated educators of the Virgin Islands who consistently go above and beyond to ensure a bright future for every student they touch. In this inaugural edition, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable life of Teacher Cecily Malone.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Growing up in Baughers Bay, Cecily attended a private school owned by Alexandrina Maduro, a renowned icon in Virgin Islands education. Mrs. Maduro used her own home as the space for this school, allowing students from the local village to enroll for a mere monthly fee of 35 cents. She didn’t realize it then, but her time spent at this school was a seed that would later blossom into a successful career in education. After Cecily completed her own studies, she returned to teach at the same school, where Mrs. Maduro, recognizing her natural teaching abilities, encouraged her to pursue a career in the Public Service. The local priest from the St. George’s School, who took a keen interest in the students attending Mrs. Maduro’s school, also took notice of Cecily’s teaching skills. With the support of Mrs. Maduro, he eventually facilitated Cecily’s transition to teach at St. George’s School and the rest was history. Cecily went on to have a long and impactful career in education. After her time at St. George’s, she went on to the Road Town Primary School (now Enis Scatliffe Primary School). She dedicated 35 years to teaching at the primary school level before moving to the Education Department within the Ministry of Education. Even in the Ministry, she concentrated her focus on early childhood education for another 8 years, recognizing the importance of this period in a child’s development. “This is where we set the foundation for the rest of their schooling and the rest of their life,” Cecily shared.
Transitioning to the alternative secondary program in 2003, Cecily went on to supporting students who did not receive their high school diplomas. Her work in this area helped students achieve success despite their previous challenges. After decades of service, Cecily’s dedication to education has undoubtedly made a positive impact on the lives of countless students.
Cecily Malone
BALANCING THE BOYS
During her time at the Road Town Primary School, teachers were often concerned about the behavior of the boys in particular, with each class accommodating 30 students. In an effort to assist her fellow teachers, Cecily volunteered to take charge of 25 boys and 5 girls. This was a huge feat but Cecily was determined to take on this challenge. To keep her boys focused on their studies, she engaged them in hands on activities. She led them outside to explore the campus grounds, allowing them to get their hands dirty and capture caterpillars, lizards and other insects. Once they returned to the classroom, she seamlessly incorporated their outdoor experiences into the lesson, making learning more interactive and fun for them.
LEARNING REINVENTED
At that time in education, the schools did not have all the resources they needed. Despite efforts from the United Kingdom to provide the necessary teaching material, the logistical hurdles meant that supplies had to first be shipped to Antigua before being sent the British Virgin Islands. By the time the materials finally arrived, there were often little supplies left for the local school system, leaving educators like Cecily in a difficult position. However, undeterred by this challenge, Cecily and her fellow teachers joined forces to find innovative and creative ways to help their students learn.
“We had to create ways to help our children learn,” Teacher Malone said. “We had to look at what their needs were and how we were going to fulfill them.” Every Wednesday, the teachers visited the Bargain Centre to collect shoeboxes, which they repurposed to store handmade educational cards. To create these cards and other writing material, they recycled sheets from cement bags found at construction sites, carefully cutting them to size with markers and rulers. They also made use of their natural environment, taking shells and seeds and used them for math counters. The teachers eventually embarked on fundraising efforts to purchase the educational materials the students needed. Their commitment to providing quality education in the absence of adequate resources serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of teachers like Cecily in nurturing young minds despite the circumstances.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Teacher Malone’s unwavering passion to education continues to shine even in her retirement. The heartwarming moments when former students publicly embrace her and express their gratitude attest to the profound impact she has had. One specific example she shared was while she was walking one day to the Sunday Morning Well. There, a group of young men were cursing and among them was a former student of Teacher Malone. Once he noticed her, he quickly said, “You don’t see teacher right there coming?” They all immediately stopped swearing. This all speaks to the love and respect that her students have for her til this day. As she embarks on writing a mathematics book for young students aged ten and under, Cecily attests, “This work is my calling.” Through her enduring commitment to nurturing young minds, she leaves behind a legacy that will endure for years to come, enriching the lives of all those she has inspired.