Teaching is not just a job but a lifelong passion for Headmistress Jennifer Cumberbatch, who has stood firm and steadfast as a lighthouse guiding generations of students toward knowledge and self-discovery. A symbol of unwavering commitment to students and the community, she celebrates a remarkable 50 years of dedication to her profession this year, but her story is not just about a long career; it’s a tapestry woven with love, perseverance, and a profound belief in the transformative power of education.
Cumberbatch’s journey began as a pupil teacher after she left high school in 1974, when she first stepped into the classroom of Cummings Lodge Primary School, excited yet nervous. “I remember my first day vividly,” she recalled with a smile. Professing a genuine love of teaching, she said she was determined to make a lasting impact on the lives of her students from the start of her career. In 1975, she joined the then Guyana Teachers College now known as the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), where she spent two years training and acquired her teacher’s certificate.
Over the decades, Cumberbatch has taught countless subjects, from Maths to English Literature, but her true passion lies in fostering a love for learning. “Education is not just about passing exams; it’s about nurturing curiosity and encouraging children to think critically. Teachers are the guide at the side for children” she explained. Her teaching philosophy revolves around engaging her students, treating each child as an individual with unique talents and potential regardless of where they came from and what they hope to become. “I understood from since then that not every child will want to be a doctor or lawyer,” she noted.
Cumberbatch further underscored that the jobs that are available when children are beginning their education will not necessarily be the jobs that they would ultimately pursue. It was noted that many individuals currently in specific roles never imagined they would be working in those positions. This is because those job opportunities were not previously accessible. She shared her own experience highlighting that the job she holds now was not necessarily what she wanted, however, this serves as a testament to this concept.
As for what keeps her motivated, it’s recognising that what she did and how she interacted with her students made a difference in their lives and the lives of their children. “From the moment I became a headteacher, I recognised too that I was making a difference in the lives of the children and that is something important,” she recalled. Her students have gone on to become taxi drivers, doctors, lawyers, ministers, and the list goes on; she said she was proud of all of them, just the same.
Pillar of the community
Cumberbatch wears many hats outside of the classroom including being a wife and mother. The interview took a candid turn as she reflected on the inspirational role of her late husband Raymond Cumberbatch, who, she said, kept her focused. She said that even her three children to this day encourage her to stay with the teaching profession.
Cumberbatch’s influence has extended into the community. She has organised events, such as science fairs, reading programmes, and charity drives, all aimed at involving parents and fostering a sense of community spirit. “School is an essential part of a child’s life because school and home are where they spend most of their time,” she added. “It’s essential to create connections between the school, the families, and the wider community.”
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. She said that over the years she has met past students and they always speak of the lasting impact she has had on their lives. “As a teacher you had to be a nurse, a doctor, a lawyer, a mentor and help to organise things all over,” she said. “You had to be whatever it was that you were called to be at that point. So that helped me in my life.” She said it made her become a better speaker and learn how to address people.
Though her lengthy career in education has earned her a great many accolades, her journey has not been without challenges. Over the years, she played a pivotal role in changing the curriculum during her time as director at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development where her resilience and adaptability allowed her to thrive. “Change can be daunting, but I’ve learned to embrace it,” she reflected. “It’s all about finding new ways to connect with students and keeping close with my Lord.”
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique set of trials. Adapting to remote learning was difficult for both educators and students, but she dedicated herself to ensuring that her students remained engaged and supported. “I held virtual office hours and made it a priority to reach out to families. It was crucial to maintain those connections, even from a distance,” she recalled.
Though she has attempted retirement almost three times before, Cumberbatch is not showing any signs of slowing down. She assured her students that she will remain involved. “Education is my life’s work, and I want to continue to give back in any way I can,” she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “Retirement is no way near, I’ll be doing this until the Lord calls me,” she said. She added that teaching remains a passion and she will remain dedicated to it more than ever. She continues to mentor young teachers, sharing her insights and wisdom, and instilling in them the same love for education that has fuelled her career. “Teaching is a lifelong journey. There’s always something new to learn and explore,” she said.
Legacy
Aside from her tenure at NCERD, Cumberbatch has held other notable positions, including lecturing at the University of Guyana from 2011 to 2018, and serving on the National Accreditation Council since 2012. She was involved with CPCE and the Teacher Education Advisory Board’s BEAMS programme in 2005-2006, showcasing her commitment to education at all levels. She also contributed to the Guyana Learning Channel from 2012 to 2020 and held a leadership position in the Guyana Teachers Union as Deputy General Secretary from 2001 to 2004. Her talents extended beyond traditional teaching, as she worked as an actress on IRI Radio from 2006 to 2009 and wrote for children through the Adult Education Association starting in 1988. Her dedication and excellence have been recognized with awards such as the President’s Medal at the University of Guyana in 1999 and the Guyana Teachers Union Award in 1997. Her diverse experiences and contributions are deserving of celebration.
Cumberbatch’s legacy therefore is more than the sum of years spent in a classroom; it’s the knowledge, resilience, and inspiration she has imparted to all who walked through her doors. Cumberbatch was adamant about schools needing to have strict discipline again. “I’m not saying I believe we should beat the children, but what I do believe is that we should bring back some strict rules for students. That way both the child and parent can respect teachers. It’s evident that through generations lightening up rules has caused lots of chaos in schools,” she noted.
