News

The Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information, through its Mathematics Enhancement Programme (MEP), is hosting an intensive professional development initiative designed to strengthen mathematics instruction across the nation. The comprehensive training workshop, scheduled for January 12-20, 2026, will target two hundred and thirty (230) mathematics teachers from twenty-nine (29) pilot schools funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The two-week training program, titled "Strengthening Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Mathematics," focuses on implementing the Professional Competency Framework for Teachers of Mathematics (PCFTM) to enhance instructional quality and student outcomes. The initiative will directly impact approximately three thousand, four hundred and fifty (3450) students through improved mathematics instruction and sustainable teaching practices.

"This training represents a strategic investment in our education system," said Kenneth Holder, Mathematics Coordinator for the Mathematics Enhancement Programme. "By strengthening our teachers' pedagogical skills, we are creating lasting change that will benefit students across primary and secondary levels."

The program addresses critical needs identified in the education system, including below-average student performance on internal and external assessments, the need for conceptually rich instruction, and the shift from computation-focused teaching to exploration-based learning. The training emphasizes moving from teacher-dominated instruction to learner-centered engagement and building professional learning communities among educators.

Training Schedule and Participation:

• Primary School Teachers (Grades K-6): 160 participants
• Secondary School Teachers (Grades 7-11): 70 participants
• School Principals: All pilot school leaders
• Total Impact: 29 pilot schools across St. Vincent and the Grenadines

The workshop will be conducted at the University of the West Indies Conference Room with sessions running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily. The program includes specialized tracks for different grade levels, ensuring content is tailored to specific teaching contexts.

Key Training Components:

• Professional Competency Framework for Teachers of Mathematics (PCFTM) implementation
• Pedagogical content knowledge enhancement
• Conceptually rich lesson design and facilitation
• Assessment practices aligned with instructional goals
• Professional learning community development
• Strategies for addressing common implementation challenges

The training is facilitated by a team of eleven (11) expert educators, including MEP consultants Dr. Joan Spencer-Ernandez and Dr. Lois George, as well as mathematics coaches and curriculum officers. The comprehensive approach includes ongoing coaching and professional learning communities to ensure sustainable practice changes beyond the initial training period.

Participants will work on practical applications, including sample lesson design, discussion facilitation techniques, and strategies for supporting student reasoning. The program also addresses common challenges teachers face when implementing conceptually rich mathematics instruction, providing practical solutions and collaborative problem-solving approaches.

The MEP continues to lead efforts in transforming mathematics education in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; with this training serving as a cornerstone for building stronger mathematics instruction and improving student outcomes across the participating schools.

For more information about the Mathematics Enhancement Programme and ongoing professional development opportunities, contact Mr. Kenneth Holder, Mathematics Coordinator (MEP) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Dr. Samantha Porter, Institutional Strengthening Support Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SOURCE: Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Innovation, Digital Transformation and Information