Premier Jennifer Smith officially opened the Centre for Education and awarded a certificate to the teacher of the year at the Bermuda College yesterday.

Attending the ceremony were Minister of Education Milton Scott, Shadow Education Minister Tim Smith and other politicians, sponsors, staff and students of the Bermuda College.

College director Dr. Gina M. Tucker started the proceedings and thanked everyone in attendance for their support.

Premier Jennifer Smith then took the podium and outlined the new facility's goals: "The Centre for Education is committed to promoting quality education as well as continuous professional development and adult education.

"In this light, the centre will be responsible for a myriad of initiatives designed to address the current and long term education needs of the Bermuda community. It is envisaged that the centre will become the hub of education in Bermuda.'' Before the tape was cut to officially open the centre, the teacher of the year was honoured.

Nominations were called for from teachers, students and principals. Nominees were sent letters to which they had to reply, stating why they should be awarded the honour.

A total of 16 teachers responded and these were scrutinised and whittled down to three final teachers: Christopher Swan of Berkeley Institute, Darren Lewis of Spice Valley Middle School, and Rashema Swan of CedarBridge Academy.

Ms Smith noted Government had intended to launch an award for the teacher of the year in order to highlight the importance of effective teaching but was beaten to it by Dr. Tucker.

"There are no students who fail, only teachers who fail to teach,'' she said.

"The provision of first class teachers is essential.'' Ms Swan was then named teacher of the year and the other two finalists were awarded honourable mentions.

Yesterday's award ceremony and opening of the Centre for Education commenced a weekend of events at the college.

Last night there was a public forum on the Role of Public Education in Shaping Bermuda's Future.

Tomorrow morning there will be a book discussion group at 9.30 a.m. on Other People's Children with author Dr. Lisa Delpit.

At 6.45 p.m. on Saturday, there will be a celebration banquet held in the Bermuda College courtyard with the theme of Educating Today's Teachers: A Formula for Success Tomorrow with guest speakers Dr. Delpit and Georgia State University professor Benjamin E. Mays. Tickets are $40.00.

Top teach: Premier Jennifer Smith presents a certificate to teacher of the year Rashema Swan of CedarBridge Academy at the Bermuda College yesterday.

EDUCATION ED