Experienced educator Estelle Laurent-Carter has been appointed to the position of principal at Vivien Vanterpool Primary School in Island Harbour.
She began her role on 4 September and will be leading staff and students, overseeing academic programmes, and guiding the school’s ongoing development.
Laurent-Carter’s 19 year career with Anguilla’s Department of Education began in 2006 as an uncertified teacher.
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By 2010, she had earned her teaching certification from the Joint Board of Teacher Education at UWI Cave Hill, officially becoming a certified teacher.
Unafraid of a challenge or a change, she welcomed the opportunity to gain experience across four of the six public primary schools, a press release from the Department of Education said on 9 September.
Having started at Alwyn Allison Richardson Primary School, she went on to work at Morris Vanterpool Primary School, Valley Primary School and Vivien Vanterpool Primary School.
She eventually amassed 10 years of experience as deputy principal in the latter three roles.
Laurent-Carter was honoured as ‘Teacher of the Year’ in 2013 for her exceptional contribution to education in Anguilla.
She served as literacy coordinator from 2013 to 2021 and later stepped into the role of special educational needs coordinator from 2021 to 2025.
Over a span of six years, she held the positions of second vice president (2018-2022) and first vice president (2022-2024) of the Anguilla Teachers’ Union.
In addition to her teaching certification, Laurent Carter has also achieved numerous academic accomplishments.
These included a bachelor in education with first class honours in leadership and management from the University of the West Indies.
She also gained a certificate in philosophy and critical thinking from the University of Queensland (online), and a master of science in educational leadership and administration from UNICAF University.
Laurent-Carter is the published author of the book ‘Memories of Castle Bruce (A Memoir)’.
In the press release, she said her most significant reward comes from the lives she influences and the lasting impact she hopes to continue to have on the hearts and minds of those around her.
Laurent-Carter’s leadership style is marked by inclusivity and collaboration – to create an atmosphere where both students and colleagues feel valued and motivated, the press release added.
