Veteran educator Dr. Mark Lyte to retire after more than three decades of service

After more than 31 years as a full-time educator, veteran teacher and former Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President, Dr. Mark Lyte is preparing to retire at the end of July.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Lyte told the News Room that his educational foundation began at Kildonan Primary School and Winifred Gaskin Memorial Secondary School before he attended the West Indies School of Evangelism. Upon returning to Guyana, he entered the education sector as a part-time teacher at his alma mater before joining the teaching profession full-time in 1995.

He explained that becoming a full-time teacher allowed him to enrol at the Teachers’ College satellite centre at J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School. His retirement this month marks 31 years of uninterrupted full-time service, in addition to nearly four years as a part-time teacher.

Throughout his career, Dr. Lyte served in several capacities, including classroom teacher, Head of Department, Deputy Head Teacher, and Principal. For the past 11 years, he has led Port Mourant Secondary School, where he said he worked to transform the institution’s image.

“When I arrived, the school carried a stigma, and many parents did not want their children to attend. Today, it is considered one of the schools parents want their children to attend, and I am proud to have contributed to that transformation,” he said.

Beyond the classroom, the father of four represented educators through the Guyana Teachers’ Union, serving as its president from 2014 to 2025 after first becoming involved as a branch representative and General Council member.

Dr. Lyte, who grew up in Nurney Village, Corentyne, Berbice, also lectured at the Cyril Potter College of Education, served as a part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana, trained school administrators through the Education Management Programme, and most recently participated in the National Education Leadership Academy (NELA), helping to prepare future school leaders.

As he prepares to leave the profession, Dr. Lyte said he hopes his career will inspire more young men to consider teaching.

“We’re not seeing enough young men entering the profession, and that is something we need to address. I hope my journey encourages them to see teaching as a rewarding career with opportunities for growth,” he said.

Dr. Lyte who resides in Rose Hall Town also challenged the perception that teachers cannot enjoy a comfortable life, noting that dedication to the profession can provide a fulfilling career while making a lasting impact on society.

He is expected to officially retire at the end of July, after celebrating his birthday during the month.