Former President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have announced a move to increase the license level in what some practicing teachers and education watchers describe as a remarkable move towards promoting quality education in Ghana. He reiterated his 2020 manifesto promise to abolish written exams. The teacher must pay that fee every four years.
Mahama’s decision is based on the idea that if teachers receive high-quality training and guidance during their apprenticeships, there will be no need for regular exams, which can be a financial burden.
Opponents claim that the teacher licensing system was announced in 2016 and introduced on a pilot basis, but what they deliberately forgot to add is that the licensing system launched by the NDC government was introduced as a regular exam. It was not structured, but rather aligned with a professional development program.
This aims to ensure that all newly hired teachers are licensed before being allowed to teach, existing specialist teachers will be streamlined and non-specialist teachers will receive a three-year provisional license. given.
Dr. Augustine Tawia, Acting Chief Inspector General of the National Inspection Board (NIB), spoke at a stakeholder briefing, as reported by the Daily Graphic on September 21, 2016. After the three-year term, they will no longer be recognized as qualified teachers.
The policy launched by the NDC government also aimed to encourage continuous professional development and growth of teachers by requiring them to participate in relevant programs and assessments for license renewal. Please note that this is not a regular exam and will cost money.
Critics have expressed concern over Mr Mahama and the NDC’s proposal to cancel the ongoing examinations, including the deputy minister of education.
It is important to thoroughly analyze these criticisms and the underlying dynamics behind them.
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While evaluation and measures for teacher evaluation and retention are needed;
The current periodic license examination system creates an excessive financial burden.
About the teacher.
By eliminating exams and focusing on providing high-quality training during professional teacher training in colleges of education, the NDC is critical to empowering teachers and encouraging investment in professional development. We are taking a step forward.
For example, as Dr. Tawia explained, the NDC envisioned that teachers would need to participate in professional development programs to be eligible for license renewal.
He mentioned other criteria for obtaining a license as a teacher having an excellent evaluation report, such as punctuality and regularity, effective teaching and service on local committees.
“If you are constantly fighting and have a criminal record or other vices, your license will be revoked,” he added.
Therefore, teachers who are properly trained and equipped with the necessary skills are ready to provide quality education to their students.
Mr Mahama argues that teaching methods and training of trainee teachers need to be strengthened so that they graduate with outstanding professional teaching skills.
They must take a licensure exam after their final university exam, and then receive their teaching license.
Interestingly, an association of teachers at colleges of education has opposed the decision to cancel the licensing exam, arguing that it is a good move. Are they admitting that the teachers they produce from universities are half-baked and not professionally prepared to come and teach in our schools?
Additionally, Mahama’s decision to cancel regular exams is a sign that countries such as Finland, Singapore and Canada are following similar models that prioritize the acquisition of quality skills during teacher training programs, rather than relying solely on regular exams. is consistent with international educational practices that have introduced .
It is important to recognize that teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our nation. Their role goes beyond simply providing the curriculum. They serve as mentors and sources of inspiration for their students.
By reducing the financial burden on teachers and focusing on quality training, the proposal to abolish licensure examinations is consistent with the broader goal of providing fulfilling educational opportunities for all children in Ghana. I am.
Finally, I would like to state that the decision to abolish the teacher’s license exam is an expression of our commitment to improving the quality of education.
By prioritizing high-quality training at the teacher trainee stage and tying licensure to continuing professional development, this proposal not only empowers teachers but also ensures that students receive the education they deserve. Thing.
It is our duty as a nation to support these progressive changes and work towards a brighter future for every child in Ghana.
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