Shortwood Teachers' College

Welcome to the home of Shortwood Teachers' College on Facebook. Growth and Enlightenment In 1880, Thomas Capper, B. Robb and Mr. George Hicks. C.

Shortwood Teachers' College was founded in 1885 as part of the package of widespread social, economic and political reforms spearheaded by Sir John Peter Grant who was appointed Governor of Jamaica after 1865. A., newly appointed Superintendent of Schools, emphasized the need for more trained women "of quality" to be trained as teachers. He felt that their influence on the minds and manners of you

ng child could be salutary for the development of the people. He was supported by such prominent persons as Bishop Enos Nutthall, Reverend Mr. Together they persuaded the newly appointed Governor, Sir Henry Norman, to make a report on this to the Home Office. Ultimately, approval was given for the establishment of a female Teachers' College. Bishop Enos Nutthall On September 28, 1885. The Jamaica Female Training College, with Miss Amy Johnson as its Principal and Miss M. Randall as her assistant, opened its door to eighteen students. The College , fully financed by the government, was first located in lower Barbican but a case of yellow fever at the college during its very first year induced the authorities to remove the college to Camperdown where it remained for one year. In 1887 the government purchased the property part of the Shortwood Estate on which the college now stands. The Institution was removed to this location and was no doubt called Shortwood Teachers' College after that time. By 1889 the college began to experience serious financial problems and would have floundered had not the Lamb Report of 1889, with full support of Bishop Nutthall recommended that the college be expanded to make it viable. Following this recommendation the student body was increased to 50 and an annual grant of 1,200 pounds sterling was given by the government. The government of the college was also entrusted to an Interdenominational Board under the chairmanship of Archbishop Nutthall. In addition the curriculum was expanded to include practical subjects Agriculture Science, and Domestic Training: Gardening, Cookery and Laundry. Additions was also made to the buildings. From this point the institution experienced a period of quiet and steady growth. The earthquake of 1907 caused considerable damage to the buildings. Luckily, the earthquake came during the holidays. When the college was reopened classes were held in the least damaged parts of the building and in tents. In 1939 the college was devasted by fire. Throughout the years the College has offered programmes which prepare students to teach at the Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary level education. In August 2000 the Primary programme was discontinued. Shortwood is the only teachers' college that trains teachers of French and Spanish. In August 2001, male students were accepted. Classes in Information Technology are offered to all Year groups, and all students are given access to the internet. The College has gone beyond offering a three-year diploma in teaching. The College, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, and with the support of the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture now offers a Bachelor's degree programme in Early Childhood Education. August 2000 saw the start of a Master's degree programme in Early Childhood Education, offered jointly by the College and the University of South Florida. The College maintains a high standard of academic performance and discipline.

Photos from Shortwood Teachers' College's post

17/08/2026

The Oberlin Scholarship and Welfare Fund, Inc. proudly presented the 2nd Cyril and Dorothy Scholarship to Rihanna Strachan, who will begin her studies in Language Arts in September.

The scholarship presentation took place on the campus, making this occasion especially significant as the College celebrates its 140th Anniversary.

We are also honoured to note that Mrs. Dorothy Robertson is a past student of this noble institution (1923-1926), making the scholarship a meaningful reflection of Shortwood’s enduring legacy of nurturing and supporting future educators.

Congratulations, Rihanna! We wish you every success as you begin this exciting chapter. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Oberlin Scholarship and Welfare Fund, Inc. for their generous support and continued investment in the educational journey of our students.

11/08/2026

Breaking Barriers. Building Legacies. Inspiring the Future.

Our female students proudly represented our College at the Jamaica Defence Force’s Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies Symposium, commemorating 50 years of women in service.

Their presence is a reminder that today’s young women are not only witnessing history, they are preparing to shape the future. We celebrate our students and their commitment to learning, leadership and excellence.

11/08/2026

Celebrating 50 Years of Women in Service!

Members of the our community, including staff and students, attend the Jamaica Defence Force’s Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies Symposium, commemorating 50 years of women in service.

We proudly congratulate the JDF on this significant milestone and salute the women whose courage, commitment and excellence continue to inspire. 🇯🇲

JDF (Up Park Camp)

07/08/2026

Future educators, this is YOUR moment! The countdown is on… Orientation 2026 is almost here, and Shortwood T. C. is ready for you. Are you ready for us?

Ready. Set. Shortwood.
Four days. Endless opportunities. One unforgettable beginning.

📅 August 24–27, 2026
See you at Orientation 2026!

06/08/2026

As Jamaica celebrates 64 years of Independence, we reflect with gratitude on our nation’s journey, celebrate our rich heritage, and look ahead with hope and purpose.

Happy Independence Day, Jamaica! 🇯🇲

03/08/2026

We selected this photograph from our 140th Anniversary Media Launch as a lasting reflection of a truly memorable year.

Pictured are Principal Miss Nadine Molloy, 140th Anniversary Patron The Honourable Audrey V. Sewell (distinguished alumna), students Damalie Rowe and Taj Alexander (now a graduand), and Board Chairman Mr. Grantley Stephenson during the ceremonial planting of the Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata).

Renowned for its resilience, strength and ability to thrive even in challenging conditions, the snake plant is a fitting symbol of the enduring Shortwood legacy.

What a year it has been, celebrating 140 years of excellence, navigating challenges, and even weathering a hurricane. Through it all, we remained steadfast.

Like the snake plant, Shortwood stands resilient. Here is to our legacy, our strength, and the bright future that lies ahead.

01/08/2026

Happy Emancipation Day, Jamaica!

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
— Marcus Garvey

Today, we honour the courage, resilience and legacy of our ancestors. As we celebrate the gift of freedom, may we remain rooted in our history, inspired by our heritage, and committed to building a brighter future through education.

Happy Emancipation Day from the Shortwood Teachers’ College family.

31/07/2026

A year of celebrating our legacy has come to a close, and what an unforgettable journey it has been.

On September 10, 2025, we began commemorating 140 years of excellence, heritage, and impact. Today, we look back with gratitude for every milestone and every person who made this celebration so meaningful.

Enjoy this anniversary showcase, first unveiled at our media launch, and available on our YouTube channel.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our 140th Anniversary a resounding success. While the celebrations have come to an end, our legacy lives on. Stay tuned as we continue to share highlights from this remarkable anniversary year.

30/07/2026

We are Hiring!

Join the team at Shortwood Teachers’ College and help shape the future of teacher education.

We are inviting applications from qualified and passionate individuals to fill our academic vacancies. If you are committed to excellence in teaching, research, and student development, we encourage you to apply.

📅 Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026

🔗 Visit our website for full job descriptions, qualifications, and application requirements via the link in our bio.

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Location

Kingston

Contact the school

Click here to send a message to the school

Telephone

+18769241095

Website

http://www.shortwood.edu.jm/

Address

77 Shortwood Road
Kingston
08

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00