ST. JOHN'S Antigua, June 28th, 2012 -- Assistant Director of Education responsible for Curriculum and Instruction Cynthia Crump-Russell will join hundreds of graduates this weekend in Arizona, at the University of Phoenix’s 2012 commencement ceremony.
Crump-Russell will on Saturday graduate with a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership, majoring in Curriculum and Instruction.
In an interview before her departure to the United States, the veteran educator was elated at her latest achievement, saying: “I am happy that I gave in to the constant invitation of the University of Phoenix representative to embark on the programme.
I am a leader in education, and because I live by the motto professional development is important to improve not only the individual, but also others he/she comes in contact with and is responsible for, it was necessary for me to continue to hone my capabilities in the field to share better practices with other educators. I am re-energized to continue seeking after knowledge and sharing with colleagues.”
Dr. Crump-Russell began her studies in November 2007, through a partial scholarship from the Organization of American States (OAS). She noted that it was her desire to succeed coupled with the support of family and friends that saw her through her studies, while at the same time executing her duties at the ministry of education. “Planning and consistency also facilitated the process,” she said.
Specializing in curriculum and leadership, the educator highlighted the need for being adequately equipped when dealing with individuals under one’s tutelage.
“Ongoing professional development fosters effectiveness. My main goal was to enhance my capabilities as a leader in education; specifically, to be exposed to new research and theories which inform instruction, learning and assessment. My responsibilities include promoting professional development of principals and teachers and advising on policies related to curriculum development and review. It is always important to keep abreast of approaches to meet the needs of those whom we help.”
Communication strategies, research principles, leadership and management, creative and critical thinking, curriculum policy development and analysis and instructional principles were among the components of the doctoral degree programme. The assistant director of education pointed out that the expertise gained will go a long way in advancing her department’s mission.
According to the teacher training lecturer, the most rewarding experience was the completion of her dissertation, titled: ‘Implementing a school based mentor-coach approach in Antigua and Barbuda’: A case study.
“The exposure built on my foundation and provided opportunities to apply new ideas and projects while I was studying. For example, during the period of study, I coordinated the design, development, implementation, dissemination and evaluation and analysis of curriculum.
In addition, assignments influenced many of my activities. For example, development of a monitoring and support project to improve teacher planning, teaching and assessment; and practising the behaviours of a transformational dynamic leader. There were always ideas or methods to impart to teachers as I visited schools and classrooms, and this will continue,” she stated.
Now that she has completed this phase in her life, Dr. Crump-Russell doesn’t intend to stop and believes the sky is the limit. She is currently pursuing her dream of playing the piano and has enrolled at the Higher Heights Learning Centre. Additionally, the veteran educator has joined the board of directors of the Antigua and Barbuda Centre for Dyslexia Awareness. But it does not stop there for her.
“I am the founder of a small team of education specialists or mentors. We will assist teachers in research projects and in planning and teaching to promote whole school improvement. I am always seeking ways to strengthen and share my expertise as researcher, learner, counsellor, supervisor, trainer, facilitator, mentor and coach- a change agent,” Dr. Crump-Russell concluded.
Cynthia Crump-Russell has been an educator for more than three decades, having served at Antigua Girls’ High and Antigua Grammar Schools. She graduated from the University of the West Indies Cave Hill with a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Master of Education Degree, majoring in assessment, measurement and testing.
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