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Graduate school managers urged to put training into practice
Fifty- eight teachers in the Berbice area, last Friday, graduated through the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD’s) sixth Education Management Course (2010-2012). In addition to the skills learnt, the school managers now have an eight- point advantage for senior promotions any time in the future for their jobs.
The course, originally a 12- month programme, was first piloted in 2001 in Region Two. It was conducted under the Guyana Basic Education Teachers’ Training Project (GBET). The Ministry of Education (MOE) through NCERD, then continued the programme. The course, primarily for school administrators, saw the participation of head-teachers, deputy head teachers, senior masters and mistresses and heads of departments of various Berbice schools.
The course was done through Distance Education mode and consisted of nine modules. To maximize its quality, the course was also extended to 18 months, with the final weeks of the course having assessors from the MOE visiting the participants in their respective schools and assessing their performances as school managers. The course started in Region 6 in 2002, producing over 200 graduates in the system, with 5 master trainers.
Regional Education Officer of Region Six, Ms. Shafiran Bhajan, at the event, stated that the course was appropriate, “in equipping our school administrators across the country with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to perform their tasks efficiently and to improve school administration because the course spans the entire gamut of school administration and curriculum transactions, and even extends to all aspects of school life”.
The course, one of many being offered by NCERD to teachers across Guyana, is being constantly upgraded and modifications are being made to make it more effective for teachers. One of the immediate changes is that it will be extended to two years for the next 2013 batch. The 8- point advantage, she stated, will “help them when they vie for supremacy when contesting for promotions….I know in our region, we have seen much difference in school administration as a result of this course”.
Dr. Amanda K. Russell—Coordinator of the Education Management Programme of NCERD, who delivered the charge to the graduands, instilled in them, five essential points and qualities to embody: vision, trustworthiness, a sense of humour, and being someone who is approachable.
“Without a vision—we will all perish! It would be a nightmare, a disaster if all you want to accomplish—or your purpose or aim is just to be promoted and to have a higher salary! I think everybody wants a better salary, including me! But that is not the aim or our major purpose or goal in life!”
The graduands at the ceremony
Dr. Russell asked who would want to come to the teachers if they are not approachable. “if education is to go forward in this country, we have to first change our mindset and certain traits that we have in ourselves—and we can make Guyana a better place”.
“I am charging you today, to be people of trustworthiness—this will make you an excellent school manager! Be open up to new visions, policies, new procedures and experiences”, she charged them.
The Best Graduating teacher was Mr. Dayaram Dhanraj. He gave an inspiring message to his colleagues as well. The programme was chaired by Master Trainer, UG Lecturer, Mr. Rajkumar Sookraj and saw attendance of senior officers within the Department of Education in Region 6.
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