Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Rossana Briceno

The Kenrick Mark Coleman Foundation
Kenrick — A Conversation with Kenrick Mark Coleman Features Rossana Briceno

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Rossana Briceno. I am the third child of five siblings. I have three brothers and one sister. I am married to John Briceno and we have three boys. My oldest son is 26 years old and he is married, my second son is 22 and the youngest is 12 years old. I have been in the field of education for twenty nine years.

2. You are a renowned & dedicated Principal & Educator in Orange Walk. What do you believe is important in this your role?

As the Principal of St. Peter’s Anglican School in Orange Walk, I believe that my role is important because I can reach out to a larger population of students than to just a small class of children. I feel responsible for the education these students will receive. I can manipulate the curriculum and localize it to meet their needs, the needs of our community and ensure that the education they receive is appropriate and effective.

3. Tell us more about your career (little history, et al)? Why did you choose to venture into this? What are the experiences like?

I didn’t really choose my career! I was pushed into it by my mother and one of my former General Managers. I was supposed to go away to study in the United States [right out] of High School. My Aunt who lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana was my sponsor but her hometown suffered a massive flood and she had to relocate to another part of the U.S. [so I had to reapply to another college etc…].

During that time, I had nothing to do and Sixth Form in Belize City had no more space. [I guess], I was driving my mother [up the wall] and she called the principal of Stella Maris (Sr. Elsa Oliva) and volunteered me out! I worked as a volunteer teacher for about three months.

A teacher resigned during that time and I got the job. I was fresh out of high school — but Sr. Elsa saw my potential and gave me an opportunity. Thereafter, I went on to the Belize Teacher’s College and that’s how my life changed for the better.

Mrs. Carol Babb pushed me into Administration after I returned with my Special Education degree from Northeastern University in Chicago, Illinois. She told me that as an administrator, I can guide, prepare and mentor the young teachers and ensure that the students under my care would receive a solid education.

My experience has been amazing. I have been able to see the changes, growth and school culture improve at St. Peter’s Anglican School.

4. What are the challenges of your career? Opportunities?

Challenges! hmm — some of the biggest challenges Principals face today are the lack of parental support, lack of resources, the never ending fundraisers to keep the school going and keeping our Feeding Program alive.

Opportunities to help mold and teach students to be respectful, ambitious, educated in the least restrictive environment come to us every day at our school.

Our school has a Special Education Centre attached to it and we have the privilege of providing individualized and appropriate education to these special students. We also include them in the regular classrooms as soon as they are able to cope. Our teachers go beyond the call of duty to cater to these students.

5. Describe your best moments. What about your worst? What’s a classic day like with Rosanna Briceno? What are your preparations like on a daily basis?

I believe my best moments at school are when our students get accepted to a high school and do well [especially the struggling learners, the blind or the deaf students].

My worst days are when students get accepted to a high school [but because of financial constraints or lack of financial resources], they cannot attend. Even though the stipend for high school students is in place, many deserving students do not qualify because perhaps they had one too many TVs at home.

Child abuse is another horrible crime that we are faced with at school whether it is physical, emotional or sexual — [one feels helpless especially when a special needs student is a victim]. Many times, the abusers get away with it because the details or the report is inconsistent, or the child forgets or is unable to describe the person or the details. I get very emotional with these kinds of situations because these students expect us to protect them.

6. As a School Principal, how do you ensure that the materials being taught are important to the overall development of our young people?

Mondays and Fridays are super hectic at school! My days are long and hectic because I don’t only [deal] with teachers and students. We have to deal with parents and situations that we have no control over.

I love being in the classrooms where I can observe, teach and ensure that effective and relevant information is being taught on a daily basis.

Our school also caters to the spiritual needs of our students and teachers. I totally enjoy devotions with our teachers twice a month. We share a small breakfast and encourage each other after a short devotion that the teachers lead.

7. Do you believe the education system in Belize needs to restructured? Why? Is there a need for the proper fusion of a “Cultures & History of Belize” section in the educational curriculum?

I believe that the education system in Belize has to be restructured. We need to go back to the basics where the four main subject areas are enforced. We overwhelm students with too many hidden agendas — which can be incorporated or integrated in the curriculum without adding to it.

Cultures and History of Belize already exists in the Belizean curriculum. Teachers need to be able to teach in an integrated approach and not teach these concepts in isolation.

8. If there was a list of the Top 10 Most Dedicated Principals in Belize, you would be on it. Given that you lead a busy school life, how do you find time for family and loved ones? Apart from being a Principal, are you involved in any other institutions?

I am involved with Special Olympics Belize (Sobz) and I really need to recommit to this organization because I have been extremely busy with school, etc. I love working with this group because young people with intellectual disabilities are given a chance to shine and succeed in sports. They are able to travel the world in order to participate in World Games and meet, socialize and explore new friends and countries.

Weekends are for family and friends! I cook for my children. We have loud music blasting on a Sunday morning while we prepare breakfast or brunch! My family loves music, books and movies, so we indulge in them. Family time is wonderful.

9. What advice do you have for aspiring Principals & Educators?

My advice to aspiring Principals and Educators would be — Go for it! Teaching is not a job — it becomes your life, especially if you love it!

It is important to make time for family because education can consume you and drain you.

Do your best and always put the interest of the students first. Without students, we would not have jobs!

10. What three words do you have to say to young Belizeans?

Young Belizeans — NEVER GIVE UP !