Principal of the Shortwood Teachers’ College, Nadine Molloy, has revealed that the institution will focus on three important frontiers as it celebrates its 140^th anniversary and beyond.

Speaking in the Marjorie Myers Hall on the campus, for the media launch of the College’s 140^th Anniversary, Molloy said Shortwood Teachers’ College intended to strengthen its place as a bastion of teacher training.

“In this strategic tripod, we have early childhood education, special needs education, and mathematics education. These three pillars, we believe, will ultimately determine the quality and equity of education for generations to come,” Molloy said.  

Principal Molloy’s address outlined the three pillars as critical pillars for equity and excellence in national education.

“Shortwood’s strategic response is that we are growing our college to meet the needs of all worlds… advancing the important frontiers of early childhood education, special needs education, and mathematics education.

“Our strategic aim is to reset the standard for education professionals to the highest. We will be known for educators who embody both the mastery of their craft and a gentle, compassionate approach to the children entrusted in their care,” she explained.

Molloy’s vision was shared with the audience of Audrey Sewell, the Patron of 140^th Anniversary, Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service; Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information; Grantley Stephenson Board Chairman of Shortwood Teachers’ College; other officials at the school and current students.

In her address to the audience, Dr Morris Dixon renewed the Government’s commitment to educator training, which was also in line with Shortwood’s vision.

“The Government has committed to providing full scholarships for special educators, recognising the urgent need to build capacity in special education and inclusion. Every teacher is on track to become a teacher of a special needs child,” Dr Morris Dixon said. “Every child, no matter their abilities or disabilities, deserves a teacher who is trained and ready to help them thrive.”

Leading with Core Values

Shortwood Teachers’ College was founded on September 28, 1885, by the Right Reverend Enos Nutall. The College was originally a female training institution known as Jamaica Women’s  College, however, it became co-educational in 2001.

Its 140^th Anniversary year of activities will incorporate the college’s six core values. They include “professionalism” to consistently achieving high standards; “integrity” as the students conduct themselves in accordance with the institution’s code of ethics; “accountability” in accepting responsibility for actions and outputs; “collaboration” as they work together to achieve a common goal for the advancement of the institution; “respect” and valuing others despite differences; and “environmental stewardship” in protecting the environment for future generations.

The launch honoured its Patron, Audrey Sewell. She is a graduate of the Shortwood Teachers’ College, and served as a home economics teacher across various levels of the system, including being instrumental in the launch of the HEART Trust/NTA in 1982.

The Founders Week of the activities, between September 22 to 28, 2025, start with a Flag-raising ceremony on the 22nd, the next day is the Alumni Invasion with a Lunch Hour Concert. On the 24th, there will be a Shortwood Teachers’ College Street Parade at 3:00 PM; at 9:00 AM on the 25th, there will be an Open Day before the 2:00 PM start of the Norma Darlington Lecture. A Community Project Launch will be held at the Shortwood Practising School on Friday, September 26, while on Saturday, there will be Paint, Sip, Celebrate at the Per Tree Cafe at 5:00 PM and on Sunday will have two activities of the Thanksgiving Service and a Fundraising Brunch.

For the rest of the year, Shortwood Teachers’ College will include an Anniversary Gala and 5K run.