Analyzing these criticisms in detail and their underlying reasons is crucial.
Teachers have an excessive financial burden from the current system of periodic licensing exams, even if evaluation and procedures to assess and maintain teacher competency are necessary.
The NDC is making a big step toward empowering teachers and encouraging them to invest in their own professional development by doing away with the tests and putting more of an emphasis on offering high-quality instruction during the years of professional teacher training in the Colleges of Education.
For instance, according to Dr. Tawiah, the NDC envisaged requiring instructors to take part in professional development courses in order to be eligible for a license renewal.
He listed additional requirements, such as regularity and punctuality, good instruction, and participation in community committee work, that would qualify a teacher for a license in addition to having a positive assessment report.
“You will lose your license if you are constantly fighting, have a criminal record, and engage in other such vices,” he continued.
Educators who possess the requisite qualifications and abilities will, thus, be more able to provide their pupils with an excellent education.
Mahama contends that in order to equip student teachers to graduate with exceptional and professional teaching skills, their manner of instruction and practical training need to be improved. They will be granted a teaching license once they pass the licensing exam following their final college exams.
It is interesting to note that a group of teachers from the College of Education opposes the decision to discontinue the license examinations, arguing that it is a positive move. Are they acknowledging that the teachers coming out of the colleges are not professionally prepared and are only half baked?
Moreover, the Mahama decision to discontinue the periodic exams is consistent with international education practices. Finland, Singapore, and Canada, for example, have adopted models similar to this one, which prioritize the development of high-quality skills during teacher training programs rather than depending exclusively on periodic examinations.
It is imperative to recognize the critical role that educators play in determining a country’s future. Their responsibilities go beyond only teaching the curriculum; they also act as mentors and inspirations to their pupils.
The proposal to do away with licensure tests is in line with the larger objectives of giving all Ghanaian children better access to school by relieving the financial load on teachers and emphasizing high-quality training.
