Bajan teacher of Vincy extraction selected for Fulbright TEA Programme at Georgia State University

Rolien Thomas, an accomplished educator based in Barbados, this week embarks on a transformative professional development journey as she travels to Atlanta, Georgia, to participate in the renowned Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Programme, a release from the US Embassy in Barbados states. Thomas has been selected to join this prestigious programme and will be placed at Georgia State University from January 22 to March 10, 2025.

A native of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Thomas serves as an English teacher at the Combermere School. In her role, she teaches English Language, English Literature, and Communication Studies, shaping the minds of the next generation of leaders. Additionally, she has been a part-time instructor at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, since 2022, where she teaches the Fundamentals of Written English course. She holds a Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership (2018), a Bachelor of Arts in Literatures in English (2017), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary School) from the Erdiston Teacher’s Training College (2021). Her academic achievements, the release states, demonstrate a strong commitment to her professional development and a passion for advancing education in Barbados and beyond.

The Fulbright TEA Programme is an international exchange initiative designed to foster global collaboration among educators. It aims to provide educators with advanced professional development in teaching, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding. By working with experts at Georgia State University, Thomas will enhance her skills and return to Barbados with new strategies to continue her work in improving education.