Confident and intrinsically motivated are words that fittingly describe twenty-one-year-old Samantha Samuels, principal of the Newstead Basic School. Despite being less than the average physical height, the very caring Miss Samuels explained to the Times that she is also a stern individual who is dedicated to the field of education and the development of the nation’s children.
Her passion for teaching started while she was in high school. Ms Samuels said she would volunteer her hours at the institution she now heads with her predecessor Mildred Taylor. Ms Taylor was impressed with the young Samuels leadership skills and implored her to consider teaching as her career path. Samuels explained that at that time her career goal was to become a criminal lawyer or an accountant.
In 2011, she took Taylor’s advice and started at the institution as an Early Childhood practitioner. A few years later, in 2 014, she became the principal. She holds level 1and 2 NVQJ certification in early childhood education. She intends to start her degree in education at the Moneague College in September.
Her goal is to see the Newstead Basic School grow. The Newstead Basic School is nestled in the Community of Cascade Western, St. Mary. It is operated under the auspices of the Methodist Church . It has nine students on roll and one early childhood practitioner. The children are guided by the Early Childhood Commission’s curriculum, exposing them to social graces, phonics, and reading among others.
Being a part of the institution where she started her education, Miss Samuels explained to the Times that it is a rewarding feeling, to give back to her alma mater and community. She also boasts of her community involvement and her active role in several community organizations. She is a Sunday school teacher at Newstead Methodist Church, treasurer of the police youth club, youth group secretary and assistant youth council leader in the
She is appealing to parents and guardians to play a more active role in the lives of the children. Outside of the classroom, Samuels said she enjoys reading and listening to music.
