Teachers advised to eschew negative tendencies

Kumasi, June 12, GNA - Teachers have been advised to eschew negative tendencies that can undermine the achievement of the nation's educational objectives.

Madam Anima Wilson, Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, who gave the advice, said teachers should be disciplined and presented themselves in a manner that upholds the integrity of the profession. She was speaking at the 2009/2010 best teacher awards ceremony organized by the Kumasi Metropolitan Education Directorate in Kumasi on Friday. Madam Wilson said teachers should attach high sense of responsibility to their work since by so doing they become good examples not only to children but the community in which they served. The event was held under the theme: "Quest for quality education, consider adequate teacher motivation".

The Deputy Minister said government was determined to create the right conditions that would help to attract and retain highly qualified people in the teaching profession.

Madam Wilson noted that initiatives in the education sector such as the Capitation Grant, the School Feeding Programme and the Free School Uniforms would not yield the desired results if teachers were not motivated enough to give off their best.

She said the recent announcement of 15 per cent professional allowance for all teachers in the country and other incentives being packaged for them were examples of government's commitment.

Professor James Flolu, Principal of the College of Technology Education Kumasi of the University of Education, Winneba, pointed out that motivated teachers were those, who have been properly trained, imbued with knowledge and empowered by appointment.

He spoke of the need for urgent review of both the curriculum and policy of teacher education to focus on improving teacher competence, the learning and the working environment.

Mrs Gladys Amaning, Kumasi Metro Director of Education, called for expansion of classrooms given the growing enrolment in schools in the Metropolis.

In all, 20 teachers and workers of the education directorate were honoured. They received television sets, washing machines and fridges. Ms Mavis Adoma Boateng of WESCO Practice School was adjudged the best teacher in the primary school category while Mr Samuel Addai of Suame Methodist Junior High School won the first cycle category. The best Senior High School (SHS) teacher award went to Mr Clement Asambiri of Adventist SHS while Mr Amevor Maxwell of the same school won the best vocational and technical teacher award.