By Delicia Janneire | November 8, 2024
The Ministry of Education is emphasizing the importance of teacher training to enhance the quality of secondary education in Guyana.
During an appearance on The Guyana Dialogue, Education Minister Priya Manickchand provided an overview of the current state of secondary education and outlined plans to address critical challenges within the sector.
Guyana’s secondary school system serves over 54,000 students with a teaching force of approximately 5,000 educators, many of whom are fully certified or actively undergoing training.
To address staffing needs, the Ministry has also engaged some untrained individuals who recently completed secondary school.
These individuals are permitted to teach temporarily while pursuing training programs, ensuring they meet the qualifications required for long-term roles in the system.
Minister Manickchand noted that teacher promotions will increasingly be based on merit rather than tenure, signaling a shift towards rewarding performance and qualifications.
This move is designed to provide opportunities for younger, highly capable educators who have demonstrated their commitment to professional development and excellence in the classroom.
For teachers nearing retirement, particularly those serving in hinterland regions, the Ministry has adopted a flexible approach.
Around 200 educators in this group, who are not formally trained, are expected to retire within the next two to three years.
Their extensive contributions in challenging locations have been recognized, and they will not be required to complete additional training at this stage in their careers.
The Ministry’s focus on teacher training and development reflects a broader effort to strengthen the secondary education system.
By addressing staffing gaps, rewarding excellence, and supporting vulnerable regions, the Ministry aims to create a more effective and equitable education system that benefits students across the nation.