IPA

San Nicolas, Aruba – On November 1st, the historic Nicolas Store monument in San Nicolas set the stage for a significant milestone in Caribbean education: the certification of seventeen educators as CTR21 coaches. This achievement, under the Caribbean Teacher as a Researcher in the 21st Century (CTR21) project, aims to empower educators with advanced research-based coaching skills to foster an inquiry- driven mindset in classrooms across the ABC and SSS islands. The certified CTR21 coaches, representing the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano, University of Curaçao, and the University of Sint Martin, are now prepared to lead educational innovation on their home islands, carrying out research-informed, impactful teaching practices.

This certification ceremony marked the culmination of a multi-phase training initiative launched by the CTR21 team in partnership with the Centro pa Desaroyo Profesional Continuo (CDPC) of the Instituto Pedagogico Arubano. The program began with a kickoff event at the IPA and progressed into an intensive, four-day course facilitated by Gregory Richardson, Roke Hoen, Melendy Neuman, Ton Klein, and Joana Duarte. Throughout this course, participants gained essential competencies to support teachers in practice-oriented research and encourage inquiry-based approaches to enhance student learning.

During the CTR21 Coaches’ Program, the seventeen participants engaged in ten interactive workshops, focusing on skills such as observation, curiosity, thoughtfulness, critical thinking, and information sharing. The course also covered data collection techniques, practical coaching methods, and the pilot implementation of an inquiry-based approach in local schools. To reinforce their development, participants collaborated on assignments, built comprehensive portfolios, and presented their findings throughout the sessions and on the program’s final day. Newly Certified CTR21 Coaches:

University of St. Martin: Juliana Hodge-Shipley, Marva Sam-Arrindell University of Curaçao: Juanita Hollander-Pieternella, Lilianne Hercules, Olav Geijs, Rendel Rosalia Instituto Pedagogico Arubano: Gino Vrolijk, Melendy Neuman, Merlynne Williams, Esther Wilson, Lilian Felter, Régine Croes, Maximo Wernet, Ryan Maduro, Marisa Tromp, Ingrid Captain, Roke Hoen

Masha pabien to all the graduates!