Kindergarten teachers complete UNESCO-funded literacy and numeracy training program

GREAT BAY--The Division of Public Education, in collaboration with the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, has successfully concluded a professional development program aimed at strengthening literacy and numeracy instruction in public school kindergarten classrooms, equipping teachers with new strategies and teaching materials to improve children's foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

The training program, which began on May 20, 2026, and concluded on September 30, was held at the University of St. Martin. It specifically targeted kindergarten teachers in Cycle 1, Groups 1 and 2, focusing on improving the quality of early childhood education and preparing young learners with the fundamental skills needed for continued academic development.

Throughout the sessions conducted between May and September, participating teachers received practical instruction on approaches to teaching literacy and numeracy, with emphasis on helping children develop early reading, writing and mathematical skills. The program also provided educators with updated teaching resources and opportunities to develop classroom materials that can support more effective instruction.

An important component of the initiative was the development of curriculum materials by the participating teachers themselves. These materials are intended to support the practical application of the knowledge acquired during training and strengthen literacy and numeracy instruction across public schools.

As a follow-up, a meeting will be organized with the Head of the Division of Public Education and school managers to review and share the curriculum materials developed by participants. The meeting will allow educators to demonstrate their work and explore how the resources can be incorporated into classroom instruction to benefit young learners.

Marcellia Henry, Secretary-General of the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, expressed appreciation to the trainers, participating educators and organizations responsible for making the initiative possible.

"On behalf of the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, I extend my sincere thanks to the facilitators for sharing their expertise, dedication, and knowledge throughout the training. I also congratulate all participating teachers on successfully completing the sessions and commend them for their commitment to professional growth and improving educational outcomes for our children," Henry said.

She also acknowledged UNESCO's financial contribution and the role of the Division of Public Education in identifying and addressing the need for additional teacher training.

"We are grateful to UNESCO for providing the funding that made this initiative possible. Special recognition is also extended to the Division of Public Education for recognizing the need to strengthen teachers’ literacy and numeracy skills and for taking the initiative to ensure that educators had the opportunity to participate in this valuable professional development program. Investing in our teachers is an important step toward strengthening the foundation of learning for our youngest students."

Special recognition was extended to trainers Marva Sam-Arrindell and Juliana Hodge-Shipley, whose expertise and commitment supported the delivery of the training sessions.

The organizers also acknowledged Miranda Morris-Carty, Dutch Coordinator for the Division of Public Education Schools, for her leadership and coordination throughout the initiative.

Claudia Connor was recognized for initially identifying the need for the training and submitting the project during her tenure at the Division of Public Education, helping establish the foundation for its eventual implementation.

The successful completion of the program represents another step in ongoing efforts to improve the quality of early childhood education in St. Maarten. By strengthening teachers' instructional skills and developing practical classroom resources, the initiative seeks to ensure that children entering kindergarten receive stronger support in acquiring the literacy and numeracy skills essential to their educational progress.

The Division of Public Education and the St. Maarten National Commission for UNESCO reaffirmed their commitment to continued teacher development, improved classroom instruction and building a stronger educational foundation for future generations.

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