New Education Minister Neletha Butterfield has urged people to back today?s educational conference at the National Stadium.

Inspirational US teacher Ron Clark will speak at the one-day summit, entitled Catch the Vision, aimed at galvanising all those working in Bermuda?s public education system.

Ms Butterfield said: ?We must all help in catching the vision and making it first class public education.?

Rosemary Tyrrell, the Ministry of Education?s new Permanent Secretary, said the event was open from everyone involved with education ? from custodians, crossing and security guards to teachers ? to formulate a vision.

Business and unions have been included while parents are also welcome to sit in at the event which kicks off at 8.30 a.m before breaking into smaller sessions at CedarBridge and Devonshire Recreational club.

Late last month Ms Tyrrell admitted there was widespread dissatisfaction with the education system which needed to be addressed.

Mr. Clark, famed for his work with disadvantaged students in rural North Carolina and inner-city Harlem, will deliver a speech as will Professor David Hopkins, an education expert from the UK.

The conference is part of a three-year strategy being put together by Ms Tyrrell and civil servants at the Ministry. This year?s theme is Catch the Vision, followed by Share the Vision in 2007 and Live the Vision in 2008.