‘Wright’ on time

As students gear up for the second month of the new school semester, one educator has embarked on a new academic journey at Portmore Community College (PCC). Reverend Dr Austin George Alphonso Wright has spent nearly four decades shaping minds across the education sector. With experience spanning early childhood to tertiary-level development, he brings the same energy to his new role as the institution’s first male principal.

“I’ve always wanted to become the principal of a tertiary institution,” he explained to Sunday Lifestyle, adding that the ultimate goal is to have a positive impact on adults.

As a teacher and strategic visionary, Wright has noticed more students focusing on skill-based subjects and believes a holistic approach to learning will better support their success.

“It’s important for students to connect training and development with having a well-rounded education, which will lead to their advancement in achieving diplomas, associates, bachelor’s, and even master’s degrees,” he shared.

And this desire for progress isn’t limited to the student body. Wright believes that teachers can professionally and personally benefit from broadening their horizons in academia as well.

From a young age, Wright took a keen interest in teaching, inspired by his mother and aunts. As a child, he would spend his time “disciplining” the plants around the house.

“By the age of 12, I was a prefect at Dupont Primary School,” he added.

Having managed classes for his teachers in their absence during primary and high school, Wright’s passion for helping others led him to start his own school, One Way Group of Schools, at just 15 while still completing his secondary studies.

“It began as a summer school for students...we would even award them a certificate for completing the summer programme. And from there, I started an early childhood school while still attending high school,” Wright highlighted.

His sojourn at Parsley Garden Teacher’s College in Portland lasted only a month. Finding that it wasn’t the right fit, he returned to Kingston and enrolled in evening classes at Mico Teacher’s College.

“I wanted some knowledge in the government system. So at 21, I got a job at John Mills Primary and Junior High School. I was placed in grade one because I had experience with six-year-olds from my own school. I was so happy.” He did so well that they moved him to grade six then eventually to grade nine.

From early childhood through secondary school, Wright’s growth was inspiring. He eventually became principal, leading schools, including Mount James All-Age, Greenwich All-Age, and Constant Spring Primary and Junior High, to success.

“At Greenwich, I was in charge of merging two schools since they were both being underutilised. The primary school had around 200 students while the college had 100. As principal, I was able to increase the enrolment from 300 to 800 students, and the population was doing well academically.”

During this time, he was balancing his studies, earning his diploma and bachelor’s degree. “I also worked in the Ministry of Education as a community relations education officer for primary, secondary, and inter-state. I lectured at most of the teachers’ colleges, like Shortwood Teachers’ College College, Mico University, International University of the Caribbean and St Joseph’s Teachers’ College. I spent 10 years at St Joseph’s lecturing part-time,” he shared.

Wright has also enjoyed being a chief external assessor for teacher education, a role he has held for almost 30 years.

His rise to prominence came when he worked as the principal of Jose Marti Technical High School, where he spent a total of 16 years, “I am currently the longest serving principal of that school. I wanted to transform the school and bring it up to a certain standard.”

NEW CHAPTER

When the time came to move on, he answered the call to become the principal of PCC. “My aim is to always maintain excellence in education. But my vision for this institution is continued transformation and expansion.”

With a doctorate in education, Wright has followed in his father’s footsteps to impact lives in the Church and also holds a doctorate in ministry. “The name of my school was already in play, so I decided to carry on that mantle to my own group of churches.”

He named the body One Way International Theological Seminary, where he sits as the chairman.

His contributions have also been formally recognised, with the Jamaica Teachers’ Association honouring him with the Golden Torch Award for 38 years of outstanding service.

“I love what I do. I love to teach. I love to see my students applying themselves and doing well. Knowledge is power, so if the teachers are informed, the students will be as well.”

When he is not at school, working, or studying, Wright enjoys travelling the world. He is also the proud father of two children and credits his success to the unwavering support of his wife.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com