Bermuda college's incoming new president late last week urged teachers to be an inspiration to their pupils when she addressed members of an international educational group.

Dr. Larita Alford, who will replace College president Dr. George Cook when he steps down at the end of this month, said teachers had to listen for unheard voices in their pupils and notice the signs of children in need.

She said some children needed more attention than others, or additional help with aspects of their work, and teachers should take time out to ensure everyone reached their potential.

Writing children off at a young age as an underachiever was not the role of a teacher, she said.

Mrs. Alford was guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Bermuda chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa organisation, for people in education, which was held at Paget Primary School.

A Bermudian, she returned to the Island last year to replace Vice President of the college Dr. Donald Peters.

However, having only been back on the Island for a few months, she has been promoted to the top spot.

She said having had her early education in Bermuda before going overseas, she wanted to return to share her knowledge with children here.

The president designate referred to her own schooling in Bermuda and how she had faced challenges in education and had to be held back a year, but with help from two teachers, in particular, had forged ahead to reach her goals.

Those teachers, she said, had been an inspiration to her when other teachers had given up on her, telling her she would never amount to very much.

And she said similarly one of the world's greatest neurosurgeons, Dr. Ben Carson, had revealed on television how his teachers and peers had nicknamed him `Dummy' when he was young because he appeared below average in his studies.

What teachers should also remember she said, was that to some children school was an escape from a poor home life, and teachers were very influential in their pupils' lives.

"It's by the grace of God and because of some caring teachers that I stand here today,'' she said.

"I did a four-year degree, a masters degree, and a doctorate degree.

"My message to you today is that it's important to listen to your students.

"You must notice something about them that needs attention and providing for that need can make a tremendous difference for a child.

"My challenge to us today is that we, as teachers, will hear the unheard voices in the lives of our students, helping them to reach their potential and to be productive members of our society.'' At the meeting held Thursday, two teachers were also introduced to the Bermuda branch of Phi Delta Kappa, taking the number of members on the Island to more than 80.

They were Truell Landy, who works at Spice Valley Middle School, and Kimberley Creighton, from Clearwater Middle School.

The organisation promotes leadership, research and service and promotes good public education.

Anyone in education, be it in schools, colleges, hospitals or institutions, who is interested in joining should call the President of the Bermuda chapter Earl Hart. Mr. Hart is Deputy Principal of Spice Valley Middle School and can be contacted at work on 236-2682, or at home on 238-1770.

Small voices: President designate of the Bermuda College, Dr. Larita Alford told the Phi Delta Kappa society that teachers can have a huge impact on the lives ot their students.

CLUB CLB