Dr. Richard Wildman Appointed as DES Deputy Director

The Ministry of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Richard Wildman as a Deputy Director with responsibility for teaching and learning in the Department of Education Services (DES) effective 1 October 2024.

Dr. Wildman, a distinguished Caymanian educator with over three decades of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. He has served as a Senior School Improvement Officer in the DES; principal of the Clifton Hunter High School; Deputy Principal, head of year and science teacher at the John Gray High School. His experience also extends to Jamaica and Turks and Caicos.

In his new capacity, Dr. Wildman will lead a team responsible for school improvement services, literacy, numeracy and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), data and testing services and professional development.

Acting Chief Officer Ms Lyneth Monteith congratulated Dr. Wildman, stating, “I am confident that in his new role, Dr. Wildman will provide invaluable support to the Director in our ongoing efforts to cultivate a world-class education system for our beloved Cayman Islands.”

Ms. Monteith, likewise thanked Mrs. Tammy Hopkins for her service as Acting Deputy Director prior to Dr. Wildman’s appointment.

DES Director of Education, Mr. Mark Ray, also congratulated Dr. Wildman. He added, “We are happy to have Dr. Wildman continuing his service to education to the Cayman Islands in this new capacity. He is very data focused and will bring to bear that experience and a plethora of other areas of expertise to the role; I look forward to our team continuing to strengthen our education product to the children of the Cayman Islands with Dr. Wildman’s guidance and support.”

Dr. Wildman holds a Doctorate in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning from the Walden University, a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Liverpool and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Diploma in Science Education from the University of the West Indies. He is also an ILM fellow and holds International School leadership certification from the Ontario Principal’s Council and a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) from the Institute of Counselling, Glasgow.

Commenting on his new role, Dr. Wildman remarked, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Director of Teaching and Learning. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated educators to further elevate teaching practices and drive meaningful improvements in student outcomes. I am fully committed to fostering a dynamic culture of learning, growth, and innovation across our schools, ensuring that both teachers and students have the support they need to excel.”