The National Teachers Council (NTC) of the Ministry of
Education announced that teachers will now have to pass a special examination
before being granted the licenses to teach. The license is to undergo periodic
renewable every 3-5years.
The announcement has met huge public outcry. The influential
National Association of Ghana Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has kicked against the
policy as well.
Many reasons have been adduced for the public discontentment
with the policy. Many have pointed out that the mess in the educational sector
of the country is far more than certification of teachers. Others too have
labelled the policy as an accident waiting to happen, given our impressive
track record for mishandling things.
However, l am of a divergent opinion. Teachers form an
important part of our educational sector. Their role cannot be overemphasized.
Therefore, any effort to improve upon the quality of teachers should be a
welcomed one.
All over the world, to be a professional means something more
than being a graduate. A lot of premium is played on professional licensing
schemes for that matter. The situation cannot be any different in Ghana.
It is
an indisputable fact that licensing of teachers will contribute significantly
towards the qualitative improvement on teachers. Teachers would be compelled to
give off their best, knowing very well the risk of losing out on their
employment if they are not to standard.
Admittedly, the answers to the problems of our educational
system are bigger than a licensing scheme. And l am very sure the policy makers
are very much aware of the situation.
However, the many deficiencies of our educational sector doesn’t make the proposal of
licensing an idea of non-relevance- to the contrary, it is a good step in the
right direction.
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