Elevating Guyana’s Teaching Profession

Mar 02, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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Talking Dollars & Making Sense:

By Rennie Parris

Kaieteur News- As we continue our deep dive into Guyana’s Comprehensive National Development Plan, specifically the Human Capital & Innovation pillar, it’s time to focus on a critical element of our nation’s future: Teacher Quality. In this piece, we’ll explore how Guyana can develop world-class educators, leverage modern teaching techniques and technology, and reward top talent to ensure our children receive the very best education possible.

 

Why Top-Quality Training Matters

In an era where knowledge evolves quickly, we need teachers who can keep pace. A teacher isn’t just a person who shares facts from a textbook; a world-class educator engages students, sparks curiosity, and adapts to different learning styles. That’s why robust training programs are crucial. From classroom management strategies to research-based teaching methods, a well-structured teacher education program lays the foundation for excellence.

Today, we have unprecedented access to funds that can be directed toward transforming Guyana’s teacher training framework. This includes sending teacher-trainers abroad for specialized workshops, inviting international experts to guide local programs, and leveraging online platforms that integrate cutting-edge pedagogical research. By updating our curricula and ensuring that best practices are seamlessly woven in, we’ll create a new generation of teachers equipped to handle any classroom challenge.

 

Elevating CPCE into an Internationally Accredited Institution

A centerpiece of this transformation should be Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). We can upgrade CPCE into a four-year, internationally accredited university where aspiring teachers earn a bachelor’s degree. This extended program would ensure our educators receive the most advanced pedagogical training, including training in emerging technologies, research, and classroom management.

By offering bachelor’s programs that align with global standards, CPCE can produce teachers who are ready to excel. This step will raise the profile of our teaching force, guaranteeing that each graduate meets rigorous benchmarks for excellence.

 

Collaborating with the University of Guyana

While CPCE transforms into a four-year institution, the University of Guyana (UG) remains a vital partner in preparing and advancing our teaching workforce. UG can continue to offer specialized degrees and post-graduate programs in education, creating multiple pathways for aspiring and current teachers to deepen their expertise. Whether it’s a master’s program focusing on innovative pedagogy or a research-focused doctorate in education, UG can complement CPCE’s efforts by providing advanced studies that elevate the entire profession.

By encouraging collaboration between CPCE and UG such as joint research projects, shared faculty, and cross-institution workshops, Guyana can build a cohesive and comprehensive teacher development pipeline that benefits educators at every stage of their careers.

 

Practical Mentorship and Classroom Experience

Even the best theory-based training means little if teachers don’t have firsthand classroom experience under the guidance of seasoned mentors. A proven approach is to pair trainee teachers with experienced educators who offer practical insights, from structuring lesson plans to addressing diverse student needs. This real-time feedback loop helps new teachers fine-tune their craft more quickly and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

With CPCE’s proposed four-year structure, each student-teacher would spend at least one year in a classroom setting, receiving direct mentorship. This “apprenticeship” model ensures they graduate with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required for success.

 

Embracing Research and Lifelong Learning

What sets exceptional teachers apart is their commitment to never stop learning. Encouraging educators to engage in research, whether it’s about new teaching methodologies, local community challenges, or technology integration, keeps them sharp and innovative. By incorporating research projects into CPCE’s curriculum, we foster a mindset of curiosity and discovery from the start.

This academic rigor shouldn’t end once a teacher graduates. Continuing education allows them to stay updated on emerging tools and techniques, from creative classroom activities to new artificial intelligence applications. When teachers see research as an essential part of their professional lives, they model the very spirit of exploration we hope to inspire in every Guyanese child.

 

Rewarding Excellence with Competitive Salaries

Any conversation about building a world-class teaching force must address compensation. If we want to attract and retain top talent, teaching must be financially appealing. By setting teacher salaries to be among the highest in CARICOM, we send a clear message: Guyana values its educators, and we expect top-tier results in return.

Generous salaries will also act as a magnet for skilled teachers from across the region, helping us fill critical subject-area shortages. Combined with structured career progression, where educators can move into higher roles based on performance and additional certifications, we can create a virtuous cycle that elevates the entire profession.

 

Accountability Through KPIs and 360 Assessments

With higher pay and robust training comes the need for accountability. That’s where clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) enter the conversation. These metrics might include student test scores, attendance rates, and effective use of technology. Beyond these KPIs, introducing 360 assessments ensures a well-rounded evaluation, where feedback from peers, supervisors, and parents shapes a comprehensive view of each teacher’s effectiveness.

When administered correctly, 360 assessments can highlight strengths and reveal areas where teachers need support or further development. It also builds transparency within the school community, as everyone’s input matters in defining quality education.

 

Looking Ahead

By investing in high-quality training, transforming CPCE into a four-year international institution, fostering a culture of mentorship and research, and adopting modern technology, Guyana is poised to cultivate a new breed of educators who stand among the best in the world. Combine this with competitive salaries, measurable performance metrics, and open feedback channels, and we’ll have a teaching profession that not only serves our children but also fuels national progress.

Guyana’s future depends on our ability to nurture the minds of the next generation. When we prioritize teacher excellence—from initial training and mentorship to advanced qualifications and continuous professional growth—we build an education system that can compete on a global stage. Let’s commit to making our teachers the pride of our nation.

Got thoughts, questions, or ideas you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you at [email protected]. Let’s keep this conversation going and work together to elevate our teaching profession—and our beloved Guyana—to new heights.

(Elevating Guyana’s Teaching Profession)

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• Making Sense, National Development Plan, Talking Dollars, teaching techniques, technology

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