May Pen educator takes kindergarten post in North Carolina via Participate Learning

Tamar Blair-Robinson says teaching has always been her path. Growing up in May Pen, Clarendon, she arranged rocks and stones into rows, treated them as a class, posed questions, gave lessons, and pictured herself leading a real room of pupils.

That early drive has become a notable career that now stretches from Clarendon to North Carolina. There she teaches kindergarten at Lillington Shawtown Elementary School under the Participate Learning Cultural Ambassador Teacher Programme. The scheme, launched in 1987, has sent educators from more than 35 countries — among them 60 Jamaicans — into schools in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Before she joined Participate Learning, Blair-Robinson taught in Jamaica for over 15 years. Her most recent post was at the Beulah All-Age and Infant Department in New Longville, Clarendon. She built a strong record as a dedicated professional, collecting several Teacher of the Year and performance honours from the Jamaica Teaching Council, the Ministry of Education, and the institutions where she worked. She also served as a trained mentor for Region 7, leading professional-development workshops and helping colleagues improve their classroom practice.

She frames teaching as a vocation rather than simply a job. That conviction drew her to Participate Learning, which invites teachers who hold at least two years of full-time certified experience to work in American schools for as many as five years in a row. Those accepted earn pay on a par with US teachers — between US$42,000 and US$70,000 a year, based on credentials and service — plus medical insurance, airfare, and the chance to bring a spouse and children.

In her third year on the programme, Blair-Robinson singles out its backing for recruits as a standout feature.

“Participating Learning ensures that teachers are guided through every step of the process, from recruitment and visa processing through to arrival, onboarding, and ongoing classroom support. This consistent support makes teachers feel valued, secure, and well taken care of,” she said.

Her time in the United States has also shown her approaches she thinks could help Jamaica’s schools. She points to literacy woven through every subject, tightly organised curricula, and professional learning communities in which teachers meet across the year to sharpen their craft.

“I believe Jamaican educators can benefit from embracing continuous professional learning. At the same time, while Jamaica has dedicated teachers, resilience, and strong relationships with students and families, there is much both education systems can learn from one another,” she said.

At Lillington Shawtown Elementary, her presence has registered clearly. She introduces pupils to Jamaican stories, music, food and customs while also welcoming the mix of cultures in an American classroom.

“It didn’t take long for our school community to love Mrs Blair-Robinson. Her infectious positive energy and optimism filled everyone’s buckets. She maintains a smile and great attitude even when dealing with difficult situations,” said Tiffany Artis, principal of Lillington Shawtown Elementary.

“By her second year, parents were requesting their children be in her classroom based on word of mouth from previous parents who spoke of the love, support, and trust she had built with their children.”

Blair-Robinson is already feeding lessons home. She stays in touch with Jamaican colleagues, passing on literacy methods, classroom-management ideas, and instruction guided by data.

Once her US posting ends, she aims to move into wider leadership work, coaching teachers and backing literacy and curriculum efforts.

“I see this experience not just as an opportunity for my own growth, but as an opportunity to give back,” she said.

She is also urging Jamaican teachers to look at what Participate Learning offers.

“This is a career-defining experience. I would encourage any teacher who is ready for growth to apply,” she said.

There is no application fee. Entries are taken throughout the year and are open to teachers who are currently employed and hold a valid driver’s licence. Details are at www.participatelearning.com/teach-in-the-usa.