Future Educators Commissioned to Lead and Drive Excellence and Innovation in the Classroom

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — University of The Bahamas (UB) hosted its Spring 2025 Teachers Commissioning Ceremony on Monday 26^th May with a call to the aspiring educators to be the living embodiment of excellence, innovation and leadership.

More than 60 graduates of the School of Education are among the 2025 Commencement Class.

President (Acting) Janyne Hodder, who entered the education profession more than 50 years ago, and is ending her tenure at UB at the end of June, expressed congratulations and reminded the graduates of their sacred responsibility to shape the minds and imaginations of all professionals.

Philip Farrington, Petty Officer on the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, spent seven years pursuing a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Physical Education, K-12, and felt a special sense of accomplishment at Monday’s ceremony.

“I started this journey in the 90s, and I returned to the University, and finally was able to complete,” said Philip. “For me, this was something I always wanted to do. I’m a Defense Force officer, and one of my career choices was to become a teacher. I started in Math, however, I transitioned into Physical Education. I got married, and my wife, she graduated last year, and now, I’m following in her footsteps. So, we’re both educators now. She was my support and guidance, and we made through to the end.”

Two-time UB graduate, Shantel Joffre-Mackey, who has earned a Diploma in Adult and Workforce Education and Training, while working full-time at UB, represents another success story.

“I am very happy to be finished and certified as a teacher, and I could teach adults at the University of The Bahamas or any other tertiary institution,” said Shantel. “It was a tough journey. You have to be enduring and strong with it, because I work full-time and I went to school in the evenings. I was determined to the do the programme and complete it, and I completed it. So, I’m very happy and proud of myself.”

Caleb Sears said all the years of hard work makes his BEd in Music, K-12 all the more invaluable.

“It feels fantastic,” said Caleb. “It feels great knowing that all of the hard work, all of the sleepless nights, all of the caffeine-fueled mornings, just to see that the fruits of my labour, have gotten me here and brought me to completion.”

Keynote speaker and UB alumna, Cherrylee Pinder, told the soon-to-be educators that while the journey to commencement may have been rough and tough at times, it has prepared them to face whatever comes their way; storms or success.

“Teachers, I put it to you that the fate of education rests in your hands,” said Ms. Pinder. “And this is a very sobering responsibility, but it is one that I believe you are equipped to handle. And I know without a shadow of doubt as a former student of the College of The Bahamas and now UB, you have been equipped by some of the best in the game. Those lecturers who were hard on you, those assessors that made you cry, trust me, they are preparing you for what you will face when you go into this world of teaching.”

In delivering the response on behalf of the education graduates, Kendalee Hanna, who has earned a BEd in Early Childhood Education, expressed profound gratitude.

“Your high standards didn’t break us,” said Kendalee. “They built us. You shaped our professionalism, our work ethic, and our resilience.”