Daniel Archibald Monteith, principal of Bethabara Primary and Junior High School in Newport, Manchester, has had teaching running through his veins for more than 30 years.

He was destined to be a teacher. For him, teaching is more than a job, it is a calling.

While growing up in Westmoreland, Monteith used to pretend the stones were his students and he taught the inanimate objects until he entered the real-life situation.

Happy

"Teaching is really my forte, and I am happy that I remained in this profession over the years," Monteith told The Gleaner yesterday.

Monteith's first teaching post was at Chantilly All-Age in his home parish. He then moved on to his alma mater, New Works All-Age.

The veteran educator then moved to Manchester, where he spent 10 years at Patrick Town All-Age as principal. He then moved on to serving as head of Bethabara Primary and Junior High since 2006.

Monteith told The Gleaner that he also had a one-year stint as guidance counsellor at Hatfield Primary and Junior High.

"All the students saw me as a confidant and a father figure. Most, if not all of them, told me their private business," Monteith revealed.

Monteith has made a remarkable contribution to the educational development of thousands of students, so it was no surprise to his family when it was announced that he would be presented with the Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education.

The award was presented to the educator par excellence at a ceremony in May.

"I feel overwhelmed but humbled," Monteith said of being the recipient of the prestigious award.

What makes him proud

Monteith noted that one of the most rewarding experiences for him is when his former students inform him about their achievements.

"That is the only incentive. The pay that we get is not our incentive ... . When persons tell me about what they are doing, it makes me feel proud," said Monteith.

The educator said if Jamaica wanted to see a vast improvement in its education system, remediation had to start at the foundation.

Monteith is a graduate of Mico Teachers' College and the University of the West Indies. His quest for further knowledge led him to the Mount St Vincent University/Ministry of Education diploma in school management.

In 2000, Monteith was presented with The Gleaner's award for outstanding contribution to education.

He has served in various capacities in several organisations, including two-time president of the Manchester Principals' Association, past president of the Manchester Parish Association of the Jamaica Teachers' Association, elder - New Beulah Moravian Church, and past secretary of the Lions Club.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com