Education is the vehicle to get you out of poverty- Henry Hardin Chase

Henry Hardin Chase, a veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience, has dedicated his life to education. He has taught various subjects at various levels, impacting the lives of many students. In this feature article, a closer look is taken of his journey as a teacher, what inspired him to pursue a career in education, and how he has adapted his teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of students.
Chase’s journey as a teacher began in 1990, just after he graduated from high school. Initially, he had aspirations of becoming a lawyer, but at that time, the opportunities were not available. Encouraged by a close friend who was an educator, he decided to pursue teaching.
As such, he applied to the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), enrolled, and completed the two-year teacher training program in 1995.
After graduation, Chase started his teaching career as a lecturer at the University of Guyana in 1999, where he taught for four years, until he joined the Champions Private School.

Chase credits his longevity in the profession to his passion for education and sports, which he believes allows him to have a twofold impact on young lives. He detailed that, coming from a working-class home, he was taught that education is the vehicle to bring you out of poverty: a philosophy he holds true even to today.
According to the long-time educator, it is for this reason that he endeavours to provide the opportunity for as many students as he can possibly assist to become healthy and productive adults who are each an asset to society.
Teaching has not always been a proverbial walk in the park for this veteran educator, as he reminisces on the vast changes to the educational landscape over the years and the many challenges these changes present for the modern-day teacher.
“The modern-day teacher must now compete with technology and social media; this also comes with new issues, like cyberbullying”, he explained.
In addition, Chase has highlighted as a major bugbear the failure of many parents to understand and execute their role in the education process. Lamenting, Chase further empathised, “The difficulty teachers now face when attempting to discipline students in this modern day is not an issue I faced in my early days of teaching”.
Chase was very candid when discussing the unique challenges faced by male teachers in the education system. He detailed that he, as a male educator, works to maintain a balanced perspective while presenting a positive male role model to his students. According to Chase, “As a male educator, it’s critical to ensure that, like myself, other male teachers pay attention to (their) mental, physical, and even spiritual health.” He noted that it is vital if they are to continue in this challenging profession.

Chase explained that a strict diet-and-exercise regimen, in combination with keen attention to mental wellbeing and a close relationship with God, has been his sustenance throughout his lengthy career.
In giving a glimpse into his personal life, the veteran Educator spoke of 2020 as a particularly challenging year. The interview took an emotional turn when Chase spoke of the pain he experienced in losing his family, after facing a divorce in that said year. This loss was exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the world, and the tumultuous 2020 General and Regional Elections that became overwhelming to him and took him to an exceptionally dark place. He again had to tap into his mental and spiritual strength to pull himself from this situation and continue with what he believed to be his life’s calling.
Adapting to changing times and landscapes has been a pillar of Chase’s success. For all the many challenges outlined by the lifelong educator, he boasts of being able to adapt and find new methods to reach the unique needs of each student.
He said, “Gratification comes primarily from watching young charges grow, and hear the many success stories that would not have been possible without the educational opportunities afforded to these students. I have come a long way, and after 27 years, some very specific goals I’ve set for myself for this term… include acquiring land and constructing a building for the school.”
In addition, he is aiming to see improved performances in both academics and in sports. Chase has said he would like to see his students participate at the national level in track and field, and improve on all previous shows at exams such as CXC. Chase has expressed unwavering confidence in his students being able to achieve this feat.

Chase’s journey as a teacher is a testament to his dedication and passion for education. He has impacted the lives of many students, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of teachers.
When asked what advice he would give to anyone wanting to follow in his footsteps, Chase had this to say: “As someone who values education and the teaching profession, I would advise anyone, regardless of gender, who is interested in becoming a teacher, to pursue their passion. While it’s true that men have been expected to provide for their families, and therefore may not have considered teaching as a viable career option, I believe that anyone who has the necessary qualities can become a great teacher.
“It’s important to ensure that you have the qualifications and characteristics needed to excel in the profession, such as a good voice, an excellent personality, and a passion for education. Additionally, setting boundaries with your students and their parents is crucial to maintaining a healthy and productive learning environment. I encourage anyone interested in becoming a teacher to pursue their dream and make a positive impact on the lives of their students.”