Gushegu: A total of 200 teachers and head teachers from 10 districts in the Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions have completed a three-day training on the Teacher Professional Development (TPD) Model to enhance educational outcomes in the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training took place simultaneously across the 10 districts, with 20 teachers from each district participating. The districts involved were Gushegu, Yendi, Zabzugu, and Tatali-Sangule in the Northern Region; West Gonja, North Gonja, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savannah Region; and West Mamprusi, East Mamprusi, and Yunyoo-Nasuan in the North East Region.
The TPD Model, developed by School for Life, is part of the Empowerment for Life (E4L) Programme and aims to improve teachers' professional development through reflective practice, relational competence, a child-friendly school environment, and active citizenship. School for Life is accredited by the National Teaching Council to conduct continuous professional development programs for teachers in the country.
Mr. Wahabu Salam, the Northern Regional Coordinator of the E4L Programme, highlighted during the training in Gushegu that the TPD Model improves teacher-pupil relationships, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. He explained that components of the model include active citizenship, reflective practice, and relational competence, which focus on improving teacher-learner relationships.
Mr. Salam emphasized the model's success over two years in eight schools, leading to its expansion to 24 schools. He encouraged teachers to apply their new knowledge in classrooms and share it with other teachers due to resource constraints limiting coverage to every school.
Mr. Mohammed Yazidu, Training Officer at Gushegu Municipal Directorate of Education, endorsed the model, noting its focus on classroom management, reflective practice, and teacher-pupil relationships. He pointed out that monitoring will be conducted to ensure effective implementation and address any challenges.
He expressed optimism that the E4L Programme would result in high-quality teachers who deliver effective lessons. Mr. Yazidu also mentioned that teachers would receive certificates for promotion, enhancing their career prospects and eligibility for National Best Teacher awards.
Madam Arahamatu Abdulai, a teacher from Bulugu E/A Primary School, praised the training for its career advancement benefits.
The E4L Programme, now in its fifth phase, aims to boost resilience, equity, and accountable governance in northern Ghana through civil society organizations. It is implemented by Ghana Developing Communities Association, School for Life, YEFL-Ghana, and Changing Lives in Innovative Partnerships with funding support from the Danish organization Civil Society in Development, through Ghana Venskab. The education component, led by School for Life, advocates for transformative education and equitable resource distribution to rural primary schools.