The panel which comprised president of the Barbados Secondary School Teachers Union, Mary Redman (from left), retired general secretary of the union, Patrick Frost and retired permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education, Elsworth Young at Solidarity House. (Pictures by Charles Grant.)

Teachers as leaders must try everything possible to ensure social and moral equilibrium is maintained.

That advice was offered by opposition parliamentarian Ronald Jones to teachers of Alexandra Secondary School yesterday as they observed Teachers' Professional Day.

Jones who shadows education said teachers should stick to the task although often hindered by a lack of support and parental regard.

Teachers also had a role in developing and maintaining harmony within the school, he said.

Jones spoke about the laws which govern the teaching profession but cautioned teachers not to use the Education Act as their only guideline. "Common sense must prevail for the system to work," he said.

Alexandra's principal Jeff Broomes described the session as "wonderful," and noted that it highlighted several significant issues. He said his staff now had a better understanding of the Education Act.

Teacher Carl "Alf" Padmore said it was "a useful exercise" which he enjoyed. "I now have a clearer picture of how the law governs me," he said.

One English teacher said she especially enjoyed the interaction segment where the teachers were able to deal with issues which affected specific departments.