Teachers urged to use instructional time judiciously

Bechem (B/A), April 21, GNA - Reverend Father Dr Addai Boateng, Brong-Ahafo Regional Manager of Catholic Schools, has urged teachers in the country to use their instructional time judiciously to improve the academic performance of pupils and students.

He said he was unhappy about the way and manner some teachers misused their instructional time adding that it had contributed to the current low performance of students and pupils.

Rev Dr Boateng was speaking at the inauguration of the Saint Joseph's parish branch of the Catholic Teachers Association at Bechem at the weekend.

He mentioned absenteeism, lateness to school, regular meetings at the circuit, district and regional levels, teaching only a few subjects on the time table and engaging in other business as some of the ways some teachers misused instructional time.

He advised the teachers to be dedicated to duty in order to improve on the educational standards and inculcate the spirit of God-fearing and humility in their students.

Rev Dr Boateng urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to pay much attention to the development of children to help reduce immoral acts among the youth.

He suggested that a graduation ceremony be organised for Junior High School (JHS) leavers instead of the leavers' dance which normally encouraged them to involve in many social vices.

He said the graduation day could be used in educating the students on "life after school" and award the hard working students and teachers to motivate them.

Mr Osei Sekyere Bota, District Chief Executive for Tano South, commended the Catholic teachers in the district for coming together to help in promoting quality education in the area.

The DCE appealed to parents to give due respect to teachers to serve as motivation.

Mr Anthony Opoku, President of the Bechem Parish Association of Catholic Teachers, commended Mr C.D.B. Mensah, Principal of Saint Joseph's College of Education for forming the association in the area. He urged parents to attend Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to be abreast with what was going on in the schools.