Kellesha Morris-Adams goes the extra mile with free PEP classes

Morris-Adams, a proud native of Blackwood Garden in Old Harbour Bay, has dedicated over 15 years of her life to shaping young minds at Old Harbour Bay Primary School. Her journey into teaching was born out of a deep passion for helping others and a genuine desire to share her knowledge. Over the years, she has touched the lives of countless students, not only by guiding them through their lessons, but also by inspiring them to believe in their own potential. 

For Morris-Adams, teaching is more than a profession, it is a calling, one that allows her to nurture dreams, instill values, and give back to the community that raised her.

“I found that when there is a fee, fewer students participate because many parents say they cannot afford it, so they don’t send their children,” Morris-Adams shared. “To remove that barrier, I decided to offer the classes for free. I started free lessons during the GSAT days, including after-school and Saturday classes.”

“Many students don’t have support at home to help them practice or prepare for exams,” she continued. “That’s another reason why I offered free online classes, and students are encouraged to share the link with others. I’ve had participants from Kingston and schools in the Old Harbour area. I welcome anyone who is willing to participate and show respect on the platform.”

When she began preparing students for PEP, Morris-Adams initially faced challenges hosting extra lessons at the school. This led her to offer free night classes online to provide students with the additional support they needed. 

Morris-Adams also noted that the success of her online classes, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic, inspired her to continue using platforms like Google Meet and Zoom for her free sessions.

For Morris-Adams, who is deeply rooted in her Christian faith, classes begin every morning with prayer with students given the option to participate voluntarily. It’s an intrinsic part of her personal motto she refers to as the three Ps: pray, prepare and persevere. As a woman of faith it is her way of constantly acknowledging and seeking divine intercession, while applying years of her own experience as an educator.

In any of Morris-Adams’ classes you will observe a learning environment buzzing with activities and plenty of interactions, such as peer teaching – a strategy where stronger students are paired with weaker ones on varied subjects. It’s not a novel idea but one rarely used by modern teachers, though it’s a proven methodology with high success. 

“Preparation comes through the extra lessons and sometimes through independent study. For example, I assign them multiplication tables, it helps them perform math more efficiently, improves their understanding of ratios and proportions, and strengthens their ability to divide and multiply according to their level,” she said. 

"I have a peer buddy system in my class. I match a strong student with one who needs support, so they can explain concepts in their own ‘student language’. Where extra help is needed, I step in. This approach helps me as well." 

The educator acknowledged that she faces challenges such as students’ tardiness, which can affect the flow and productivity of her classes. This often results in her and other students having to call parents and students to come out for classes.

In a recent interview, top PEP performer Shanaya Wong, who earned an impressive 94% average, spoke warmly about the role her teacher played in her success. She described Morris-Adams as a dedicated mentor who goes above and beyond for her students. Shanaya’s mother, Omeisha Banton, believes Morris-Adams deserves full recognition for her dedication and hard work, describing her as outstanding and deeply devoted educator. Morris-Adams frequently calls parents to ensure her students are doing well at home, often prompting them to wonder if she even has her own family. For many, that level of commitment speaks volume.

"Think about the future," Adams urged parents and fellow teachers.

"For parents, after putting in that effort, you will see the reward. When a child develops the academic skills and abilities to progress in life, you are the ones who reap the benefits, knowing that your child has grown into someone great, contributing not only to themselves but also to their families and communities.”

"For teachers, the reward comes from knowing you’ve made a significant impact on the lives of the children entrusted to your care. I encourage you to work within your means. If you’re doing it for the money, the numbers will eventually go down. But if you’re doing it for the love of it, you will continue despite the odds. I have students who have graduated from university, and others who are now police officers, soldiers, and nurses. They come back to say, ‘Thank you, Miss’ and express their gratitude. That thank you means so much, it tells me my efforts were valued," she said with joy and laughter.