Pansie Porteous; The Teacher Who Knew The Potential

What is the value of the education you received at any given point if you cannot say to someone 'this is the highlight of my time at this institution'?

Now pause ... think for a minute the most memorable time you can recall while you were (are) a student. Perhaps the day you graduated, was inducted as a prefect or when the fat girl ran at Sports Day and came in ahead of the cocky girl you didn't like.

And then, reminisce about that one teacher that contributed greatly in changing your experience at that school you thought of before. Who did you come up? Tell me please...

Hello Jaevion Read about all your achievements. Mr. Porteous and I are very proud. congratulations re the scholarship. we know that for you the sky is the limit. all the best. Mrs. P

My heart glowed when I read that email from my 6th form literature teacher, Mrs. Pansie Porteous. And if you know her, she is the kind of teacher that has the broadest smile when she talks and boasts of her students accomplishment. I could do nothing but reflect on the wonderful time I had with her in and out of classes listening to her empower us through every line in those literature books.

Mrs. P as we all called her so affectionately, taught me all genres of literature in lower six and poetry (which she was very good at) in upper six. When I first acquainted myself with Mrs. P in lower six , I had no idea she was observing me all this time until last week. Of course I knew she was very keen on her students development, especially sixth formers since that was her only interaction in the classroom.

As I speak of her, I think of the day she encouraged my involvement. At the time I thought she was being a bother by holding me hostage until I made a commitment to become involved in at least one co-curricular activity. I couldn't be bothered to 'nuff up' myself like Andrew, Simone, Tameka, Magunda (the school's unsung hero) and others.

'Jaevion, while you're grades here are good you need to get involved,' Mrs. P said to me in front of Aunty Mitzy who attended report day on my mother's behalf with a face that could be read like one of Wordsworth's poems. And must I mention her emphasis on involvement as an advantage to getting accepted into University, getting a job and developing yourself as a well rounded individual? It all sounded too much like one of Derek Walcott's poems. So, I understood very little but followed her wise words for she has been teaching for years and her (own) children and the students who took her advice always come out on top.

As I write this blog entry, I can't help but think how many of us were unable to think of an experience as similar as this. So many of us leave educational institutions and can think of nothing but hatred for our teachers. So many teachers, have showed little interest in inspiring their students involvement and bringing out the best in them. So many of us both teacher and student understand very little about the importance of each in an educational institution. Not many teachers observe their students. And not many students listen and take heed to their teachers' observation.

I am delighted I followed Mrs. P's advice for here I am today, testament to the value and importance of student involvement.

I remember as if it were yesterday. You laughed, in your characteristic chuckle, and said "Misssss, ok." Maybe it was to get me off your back, but you did get involved. As I watched you getting more involved in school life, I was the one who had the last laugh. I knew that once you tasted of involvement, your natural creative juices would begin to flow and you would not stop.Enjoy it son, I am proud of you.

Mrs. Pansie Porteous; Sept. 30, 2009

Thank you Miss. P!