The Ashanti Regional Directorate of Education has conducted an orientation program for newly posted teachers and non-teaching staff in the region. The exercise aimed to equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to begin their profession effectively. Topics covered during the orientation included professional codes and conduct, HR issues, financial management, and more.
Mr. Kingsley Amfo, the regional training officer, emphasized the importance of igniting curiosity and responsibility in the new teachers. He stated that the orientation would provide them with the relevant information and right mindset to start their profession. The exercise is part of the Ghana Education Service’s efforts to address challenges faced by new teachers, such as language barriers, logistics shortages, and financial difficulties that often lead to abandonment of posts.
A self-placement system has been introduced for 12,720 newly qualified teachers who have completed their degree programs at colleges of education and passed their licensure exams. This system has significantly reduced the likelihood of fresh teachers seeking reposting. In the Ashanti region, only a few cases of abandonment were reported among the over 1,200 teachers posted.
Experienced educators participated in interactive workshops, engaging in meaningful discussions on understanding the importance of a global approach to education. The orientation’s theme was “Beginning your Teaching Profession with a Glocal approach, the Four Hs: head, hand, heart, and habit.” Dr. William Kwame Amankra Appiah, the Ashanti Regional Director of Education, encouraged the teachers to remain open-minded, curious, and collaborative.
He emphasized that education is a powerful tool for change and that teachers have the power to shape the minds and hearts of the next generation. The orientation aimed to set the new teachers off on the right foot, providing them with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges and rewards of their teaching career. By doing so, they can make a positive impact on their students and contribute to the development of the region.
