PHILIPSBURG – “You have to become a people’s person to be an effective teacher,” says Lenworth Wilson Jr., the sole 2009 male education program graduate of the University of St. Martin.
Wilson Jr., along with six other students, received their Bachelor in Education degrees last Saturday at USM’s 15th Commencement ceremony at Maho. He also received the Board of Director’s Award from for his contribution in service to USM.
A total of 45 USM students graduated during that event.
For someone who initially did not want to become a teacher, Wilson Jr. is optimistic about his career choice. He said that he was hesitant to go into the profession because he had a greater interest in computer science and business studies. He was also very conscious of a stereotype of teaching being a feminine occupation. When asked further about why he thought there was a lack of male teachers, the recent graduate added that in school, boys tend to be more challenging to deal with than girls and many males often do not want to deal with those same challenges they presented as students.
“When I got a taste (of the profession), I realize there is a big need for positive male influence (in education),” Wilson Jr. said.
This realization has even prompted Wilson Jr. to look at specialized areas in education. He said that he prefers to deal with the behaviorally challenged students and to teach them separately. He believes that these students must be consistently taught how to make good choices that will positively affect their progress as students and also as citizens. The USM honor’s graduate also indicated this wish to a possible employer in a recent interview. He noted that dealing with challenging students requires more than social work expertise but also someone who is trained academically as a teacher and who will also serve as a mentor.
Despite some set backs due to a medical situation for which he is still undergoing therapy, Lenworth is optimistic about his future. He said he has received offers from a number of educational institutions but has not confirmed any as yet.
He advises males who are interested in going into the teaching profession to become as “rounded as possible” in their education since different areas of expertise are needed to best cater to the students. At times administrative skills will be needed while at other times counseling or teaching skills will be needed, Wilson Jr. cited as examples.
The former Student Government Association (SGA) president also lauds his involvement in the SGA and the organization Y2X as “extra training grounds” to deal with what he as a teacher will be facing in the classroom.
“Theory does not fully/adequately prepare you for what you face in the classrooms,” Wilson Jr. said while alluding to the fact that teachers need sharp interpersonal and communication skills.
The Jamaican native said that being constructive, working hard, and staying positive are key to living on St. Maarten. He added that two of his biggest challenges moving here were funding his tuition and obtaining legal status.
“I have had to adjust and learn about so many different cultures. I think I can go anywhere to live,” Wilson said about St. Maarten and his USM experience.
As far as USM goes, he said that the institution is young and growing and as SGA president he always took the approach of “how can I help USM to grow and make the institution into what it can be.” He also urged others in the community to do the same.
“When you come here (to USM), don’t just pass through. Make a difference,” he said
Wilson Jr. lauds USM for its small classes and close knit and personal atmosphere. He said that he will eventually be looking at pursuing his master’s degree in possibly Education Administration or Educational Psychology. He also advises future USM students “to have fun, make friends, give back, but don’t lose focus.”
USM wishes Lenworth Wilson Jr. much success in his future endeavors.