Dr. Jeffrey Blaize
Dr. Jeffrey Blaize is a native of Roseau, Dominica, born and raised there, with early education completed at Saint Mary’s Academy (SMA) in Roseau. He later earned a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the United Kingdom . His postgraduate credentials also include experience with the OECS/USAID Early Learners Programme and OECS/GPE Curriculum and Assessment, reflecting his focus on regional education development.
Professional Career & Leadership Roles
Prior to entering civil service, Blaize taught at Roseau Boys’ School beginning in 1993. His classroom background led to roles in curriculum development and educational assessment; he served as Education Officer for Measurement and Evaluation and later as Senior Education Officer overseeing both curriculum and evaluation (2005–2022). During this period, he also lectured at Dominica State College, focusing on educational media and technology.
In August 2022, Blaize was appointed Chief Education Officer of Dominica, succeeding the prior holder and becoming head of the Curriculum & Measurement Unit within the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning & National Excellence.
Key Initiatives & Educational Impact
As Chief Education Officer, Dr. Blaize has led major reforms in primary education. He publicly criticized the traditional Grade 6 National Assessment (G6NA) exams, stating they “have outlived their purpose” and caused undue anxiety among young students. Under his leadership, the Ministry began stakeholder consultations with school principals, teachers, and parent-teacher associations to redesign the G6NA’s structure and intent.
Dr. Blaize is also finalizing a comprehensive Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy, guiding foundational education for children under six; this policy is awaiting feedback and cabinet approval. He champions literacy-first educational models, emphasizing reading and speaking from early childhood and linking strong school management to student outcomes .
He has also supported the rollout of a harmonized primary school curriculum across the OECS, integrating Dominica into regional education frameworks.
Regional and Instructional Contributions
Dr. Blaize serves as the national focal point for several OECS-led education initiatives, including the OECS/USAID Early Learners Programme, OECS/GPE Curriculum and Assessment, and the OECS PEARL project. His work supports the Caribbean integration of best practices in education, ensuring Dominica aligns with regional standards and innovation.
Recognition & Professional Vision
Recognized as a visionary education leader, Dr. Blaize frequently appears in press confrences and media discussions. He stresses the importance of reading skills, effective school leadership, and parental involvement, characterizing these elements as foundational to student success .
He has advocated for inclusion and support for students with disabilities by urging adjustments to accommodate diverse learning needs within classrooms and schools. His vision frames education as a community endeavor, aligning ministry goals with parental and stakeholder involvement .