| – Education Minister Education Minister Shaik Baksh has underscored the need to restore the image of teachers and the prestige of the profession. However, he noted that these efforts have to start at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).Baksh, who was at the time addressing a recent forum at the National Cultural Centre, pointed out that the role of teachers should not only be centered on the delivery of the curriculum but also on being positive role models, agents of change and student mentors.He also cautioned teachers about being judgmental on students. He urged that they strive to understand their background and devise strategies to positively relate to them.Baksh said that several interventions have been made to improve students’ performance and he encouraged teachers to focus more of their attention on slow learners.Some of these measures include the Literacy Hour, the Grade Six Literacy and Numeracy remedial programme which begins just after the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the National Grade Four Certificate which comes on stream this year, the Six Year Secondary School Programme which targets poor performers at the NGSA, the Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) and the remediation programmes at both the primary and secondary levels.The Six Year Programme seeks to upgrade low performers at the NGSA to cope with the secondary school curriculum and in so doing reduce their chances of dropping-out of school.Baksh said that the government has recognized that education is the key to growth and development of the country and has been continuously investing heavily in the education sector over the years.This trend, the minister declared,Brett Favre Falcons Jersey UK, is a firm indication of the government’s commitment to improve the performance of the sector,Air Max 97 Undefeated Black, including the welfare of teachers.He pointed out that teachers’ salaries have been increasing regularly and incrementally. His Ministry is currently in negotiation with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to improve their package, he added.Apart from this, teachers today enjoy uniform allowance,http://www.soccerpro.us.com/Arsenal-FC/, and a salary increase for upgrading their qualification. Those from the coastland performing duties in the hinterland regions receive an additional $30,000 housing allowance along with a remote incentive allowance.Twenty-five teachers receive free scholarships,Custom Boston Celtics Jerseys, annually,http://www.soccerpro.us.com/AS-Roma-FC/, to further their studies at the University of Guyana (UG), and as part of the package,Wholesale Authentic NFL Jerseys, head teachers are entitled to duty free concessions.He added that his Ministry is moving to accelerate the housing loans programme for teachers.The Ministry of Education has implemented various programmes, policies and strategies aimed at improving students’ educational outcome and Baksh stressed that the success of these initiatives rests on the shoulders of teachers and the schools.He said that issues such as recruitment, training and development, appraisal and remuneration of teachers are critical for the upliftment of teachers and the profession and stressed that the government has taken steps and has been making commendable strides in this regard.He also noted that the education reform programme is on-going. The reform programme requires all teachers to integrate the use of technology in the learning process. Training in this area is being done at CPCE and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).The reform also caters for the introduction of new programmes in the Associate Degree in Education (ADE) programme, one year practicum and the release of trained teachers to attend the University of Guyana.Baksh said that these efforts are tailored to ensure teachers are well prepared to effectively teach the nation’s children. He also called on parents to work along with teachers and to pay a more keen interest in their children’s education. |
