Dr. Peter Anti, Executive Director of the Institute of Education Studies has emphasized the necessity for teachers to meet licensure exam standards before entering the profession.
In a recent discussion on teacher licensure in Ghana, Dr. Anti explained that the licensure regime is a comprehensive process, with the first step being an examination or assessment.
“The licensure regime is a whole process and the first step to being licensed is sitting for the exams or being assessed in one way or the other. So, what the NTC is doing technically is that we have standards that the teacher is supposed to exhibit in this country. These are enshrined in the national teacher standard,” he said.
In an interview on Joy News, Dr. Peter Anti highlighted that Ghanaian laws require teachers to be licensed based on their competencies.
“Now, you have gone through various teacher education programs and we are mandated to license you. In our laws, we have the mandate and we are licensing you based on the competencies that you are supposed to possess in respect of the teaching standards,” he emphasized.
Mr. Anti added that various factors might contribute to the failure of teachers during the exam however, they must meet the standards set by the regulatory body to be eligible to enter the teaching profession.
“There are different factors that might lead to them not passing but the fact still remains that they need to meet that standard that has been set by the regulatory body in order that the regulatory body can enable them to enter the teaching profession,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, Larry K. Agbador, Editor of the Teacher Education Journal, expressed the need for politicians to introduce policy entry exams for students aspiring to become teachers.
He believes this measure will help consolidate the progress made with the current licensure regime.
“I am expecting to see that the manifestos of the various political parties, they’re able to come up with ideas like this. Okay, when we come into power or when you give us a nod, we will consolidate the gains that we’ve made with the licensure regime by introducing a policy of entry exams for students who want to be trained to become teachers,” he said.
Additionally, Rose Blankson, an Assistant Registrar at the University of Cape Coast, affirmed that teachers who have graduated from training colleges or colleges of education are well-prepared to enter the teaching field.
She advised that in-service training, on-the-job training, and enhancement training should be provided over time to broaden teachers’ skills and knowledge.
“To me, the teacher having gone through training college or college of education has been prepared adequately enough to go out there and teach. And with time, we need to give them in-service training, on-the-job training, enhancement trainings and all that. Because, sincerely, I feel this licensure, for want of a better expression is a lazy man’s approach at kicking some individuals out of the classroom,” she said.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
