THE Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and Education For All/Fast Track Initiative (EFA/FTI), commenced the Continuous Professional Development 2012 workshops. The series will focus on various subject areas, some of which, such as teaching of Physics, Mathematics and Spanish, among others, are directly related to the curriculum.
However, others, although related, go beyond, for instance, Classroom Management and Special Needs Education.
Geared at training teachers in the nursery, primary and secondary divisions, the seminars, being funded through the AFA/FTI, attracted about 300 applicants from almost all educational districts.
Speaking on behalf of Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, Technical Assistant and Coordinator of School Boards, Ms. Melcita Bovell said they would have liked to facilitate a much larger number of teachers but it was not possible.
However, it is intended that teachers who benefit from the continuing process will have undertake staff development sessions with their colleagues, to convey the knowledge that they would have gained.
Bovell noted that the workshops are important since education is dynamic and because it has to change to meet the demands of the changing world.
“You and I are faced with the task of completely retooling ourselves, so that we may be made capable and worthy for the noble task that has been set for us, that is, to mold the nation,” she told the audience of teachers.
It was the first of two phases that started yesterday and the second will begin next week. Certificates will be awarded to participating teachers but only after they complete the staff development sessions in their respective schools.