Students Encouraged to Explore Careers Across the Education Sector

On Monday, 15 September, the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) launched NexGen Educators, a national initiative designed to inspire Caymanian students in Year 13 and beyond to consider the wide range of careers available in education. While classroom teaching remains a core pathway, the campaign highlights other vital roles, including school counsellors, subject specialists, and educational psychologists.

One Caymanian professional exemplifying these opportunities is Katherine Russell, a school counsellor whose journey reflects perseverance, dedication, and the transformative impact of mentorship and support.

Katherine began her academic journey at John Gray High School and continued at CIFEC, where she first discovered her passion for psychology. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Literary Studies at the University College of the Cayman Islands before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Georgia State University. Driven by a commitment to mental health, she later completed a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology online.

“Ministry of Education scholarships were instrumental in helping me achieve my goals,” Katherine reflects. “I encourage any student with a passion for education or counselling to explore these opportunities—they can be the bridge to your aspirations.”

Katherine’s path was not without challenges. In 2020, her planned internship at a hospice facility in Canada was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited time to secure an alternative placement, she was able to complete her supervised internship at John Gray High School, where she benefited from a knowledgeable team and gained invaluable practical experience.

For students considering a career in school counselling, Katherine offers practical advice:

• Network: Attend mental health events and connect with professionals in the field.

• Volunteer: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience, whether at events or through services such as mental health helplines.

“Counselling is about creating a space where students feel truly seen and heard,” Katherine says. “Supporting holistic well-being is vital, and everyone deserves to feel valued and understood.”

Katherine’s story illustrates just one of the many rewarding pathways within the education sector. Learn more about Katherine’s journey and engage with the NexGen Educators campaign on the Ministry of Education & Training’s Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram pages.