Jamaican woman pushed to be a teacher to help others master math

RESILIENT PEOPLE Contributor Marshalee Facey with some of her students at Transparent Mathematics Center, Montego Bay, Jamaica

My name is Marshalee Facey and I am a teacher who loves to teach.

I am originally from the rural parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica where I lived with my mother Janice Edwards.  She was a single parent and made me the woman I am today - ambitious, hardworking and always committed to your dream.

I completed schooling at Bethlehem Teachers College in Malvern, Jamaica. It was difficult securing a permanent job in this rural area, so I decided to move to Montego Bay.
 
After struggling for months I finally found employment as a secretary and part-time math teacher at a private school. I had my own passion for teaching and business and was determined to eventually start my own school. 

When I left the private educational institute, I took a 6-month contract job at the National Water Commission (NWC) where I worked as a field inspection officer.  From this job I committed to go after my goal and start my own school.

It was very difficult to get my business off the ground but I saved most of my salary from NWC, bought some second-hand school chairs and desks, advertised in the local newspaper and gave out flyers to promote my school.

Discouragement came from a few friends and family members but self-determination was my main motivator.  My mother and others helped encourage me along the way.

In 2014 I opened the Transparent Mathematics Center in Montego Bay with only 9 students.  They were all preparing for the national Caribbean examination, which is officially called the Caribbean Secondary Examination certificate (CSEC) examination.

Over time our population increased to 114 students.

Sadly in 2018 the school was forced to close due to high costs and delinquent tuition payments.

This was very disheartening but I reflect on the positives - the amazing students that I have met and their accomplishments.  I now teach in a government primary school.

After teaching all these years I realized that students continue to struggle in developing their mathematical skills nationally. One of the ways to alleviate this crisis is to have trained and highly proficient teachers in the area of mathematics and provide suitable educational materials.

I just completed writing an educational mathematics book to help students develop their critical thinking skills.

Despite all of my obstacles what makes me most proud are the amazing students I have met and how I helped them to accomplish their goals.

I’ll end with my two of my favourite mantras:
“Nothing try, nothing done” and “He who makes you angry control you”.

Thank you for reading.

 
For more information on Marshalee Facey, please contact [email protected] or (876) 836-4712.