Sr. Magda Teachers Complete CTR21 Phase One
November 25, 2025
USM proudly hosted a special presentation last week highlighting the progress of the Caribbean Teacher as a Researcher in the 21st Century project (CTR21), as teachers from the Sr. Magda Primary School showcased the work completed during the first phase of their professional development journey.
The CTR21 is focused on developing 21st-century teaching competencies which supports educators in strengthening key skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, collaboration, creativity, and resilience by emphasising research. Guided by USM’s faculty team, Mrs. Juliana Hodge-Shipley and Mrs. Marva Sam-Arrindell particularly, the participating teachers engaged in research training workshops, hands-on activities, and collaborative assignments designed to transform teaching practices in the modern classroom.
During the presentation session, the Sr. Magda teachers shared their research projects, reflections, considered classroom interventions, and outlined how CTR21 principles are already being incorporated into daily instruction. Their presentations highlighted growth, teamwork, and a renewed commitment to innovative education.
At the conclusion of the session, USM presented certificates of completion to the teachers, officially recognizing their successful completion of Phase One of the CTR21 program. The certificates symbolize not only their dedication, but also the beginning of a broader professional growth trajectory as they prepare for the next phases ahead.
USM commends the Sr. Magda School teachers, as well as the Catholic School Board for their outstanding participation and engagement. Their commitment to continuous learning reflects the shared mission of strengthening education across St. Maarten and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. USM looks forward to continued collaboration as the CTR21 Project advances into its next stages.
CTR21 is a practitioner-based study that looks to identify ways to stimulate an inquiry-based mindset among primary school teachers on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. Funded by the Dutch National Governing Agency for Researching Education (NRO), this project is carried by Instituto Pedagogico Arubano, University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez, University of St. Martin and University of Aruba.
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During the presentation session, the Sr. Magda teachers shared their research projects, reflections, considered classroom interventions, and outlined how CTR21 principles are already being incorporated into daily instruction. Their presentations highlighted growth, teamwork, and a renewed commitment to innovative education.
At the conclusion of the session, USM presented certificates of completion to the teachers, officially recognizing their successful completion of Phase One of the CTR21 program. The certificates symbolize not only their dedication, but also the beginning of a broader professional growth trajectory as they prepare for the next phases ahead.
USM commends the Sr. Magda School teachers, as well as the Catholic School Board for their outstanding participation and engagement. Their commitment to continuous learning reflects the shared mission of strengthening education across St. Maarten and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. USM looks forward to continued collaboration as the CTR21 Project advances into its next stages.
CTR21 is a practitioner-based study that looks to identify ways to stimulate an inquiry-based mindset among primary school teachers on the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. Funded by the Dutch National Governing Agency for Researching Education (NRO), this project is carried by Instituto Pedagogico Arubano, University of Curaçao Dr. Moises Da Costa Gomez, University of St. Martin and University of Aruba.
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