Reimagining Maths Education: From Classroom Innovation to National Recognition
- Winsome M. Sherrier Witter
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Jamaica's education landscape is being reshaped by passionate educators who are committed to transforming how maths is taught and experienced. In a powerful episode of the SRC Community Corner Live Forum "Reimagining Maths Education: From Classroom Innovation to National Recognition", hosted by the Serenity Resource Connector, we met two change-makers leading this charge: Sasha Ashley-Kelly, 2025 Math Teacher of the Year (1st Runner-up), and Damain Fearon, the visionary behind the Math Bridge programme.
Watch the full replay here: https://youtube.com/live/pgfOFDtJkg0
From Hesitation to Recognition: Sasha Kelly's Journey
After nearly two decades at Pleasant Valley Primary & Infant School, Sasha Kelly stepped into specialist maths teaching in early 2024. With gentle persuasion from her principal and a supportive school community, she entered the prestigious Math Teacher of the Year competition—an experience that would transform her career and outlook.
Key Highlights from Sasha's Story:
Student-Centred Learning: Sasha uses real-world tasks—like measuring perimeter with trundle wheels—to help students discover maths in action.
Building Confidence: Her classroom is one of respect, exploration, and collaboration.
Differentiation: Sasha tailors her teaching to meet diverse student needs, recognising there's no one-size-fits-all in education.
Her success is not just personal—it's a win for her students, her school, and Region 7 at large. Sasha’s story is a testament to what can happen when teachers are supported, challenged, and celebrated.
Damain Fearon & the 'Math Bridge': Changing the Game (Reimagining Maths Education)
If Sasha is the heart, then Damain is the engine of innovation. Through the NCEL Aspiring Principals Programme, Damain identified troubling trends in maths performance, particularly around problem-solving. His response? The Math Bridge, a holistic programme that tackles both mindset and method.
The Three-Pronged Math Bridge Approach:
Positive Maths Mindset
Slogan: "Math is the easiest thing you’ll do today!"
Introduced a Math Game Arcade, chess club, and a Numeracy Monitor initiative where students support each other.
Targeted Problem-Solving Instruction
Special focus on areas like algebra, using tools such as algebra tiles to break abstract concepts into graspable ideas.
Teacher Development via CPA (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract)
Provided training to help educators move beyond chalk-and-talk, into visual, hands-on instruction.
Collaborated with presenters like Michelle Moy Lee to redefine how teachers use manipulatives.
"One teacher who once dreaded teaching scale drawing now embraces it thanks to CPA. It’s not easy, but it’s better." – Fearon
Fearon’s ultimate goal? Sustainability and expansion. The programme is being shaped into a regional Math Policy so other schools across Clarendon—and beyond—can replicate its success.
What the Community is Saying
During the livestream, the chat lit up with love, support, and inspiration:
"Greatness is within this teacher!" – Christina
"Mr. Fearon, taking it international!" – Johnson "
"Keep up the great work Mrs. Kelly. You too Mr. Fearon. Take maths to the next level!" – FY
These voices reflect a national hunger for change, and the joy in seeing it unfold.
The Call for Support: Diaspora & Sponsors Needed
Fearon passionately appealed to the diaspora and local sponsors:
"Many schools overseas discard manipulatives at the end of the school year. What if we could collect and redistribute those? Adopt-a-school models can help."
If you're an organisation or individual willing to support Jamaican schools with teaching tools, this is your moment. Math Bridge is ready to grow—it just needs fuel.
Final Reflections: Making Maths a Way of Life
As the session closed, both educators echoed a powerful vision:
Let students explore. Let them connect maths to everyday life.
Gamify, simplify, and make maths fun and fearless.
“Make maths the easiest thing our students will do today.” – Damain Fearon
Ready to Be Inspired?
Catch the full conversation and witness the passion for yourself: 👉 Watch the replay on YouTube
If you know a teacher, student, or sponsor who needs to hear this—share it with them. Let’s keep the transformation going.
Stay connected with the Serenity Resource Connector on all platforms and subscribe to our blog for more uplifting stories and community breakthroughs.
Read the recap from our other Community Corner Forums: www.serenityresourceconnector.com
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