Equipping Teachers to Empower Students
It was 3:30 on Friday afternoon, our teacher training session at Gyetighi Primary School (GPS) was scheduled to end 10 minutes ago, yet no one had left the library. Instead Suzan Ngowi, Special Education Teacher, continued to answer question after question as the GPS teachers wanted more techniques on how to best accommodate any students with special needs in their classrooms.
Since 2007 and 2013, TCF has partnered with the local government to co-manage GPS and Oldeani Secondary School (OSS). By partnering with the government to serve close to 1000 students, we have always ensured that our efforts are community-led, inclusive, and sustainable. This year, as we kick off our five year strategic plan, we have become even more dedicated to equipping teachers with the skills they need to best serve as many students as possible.
“The curriculum is constantly changing so knowing new techniques and activities for a variety of learners is important. Consistently updating our skills means that we will always know how to adapt and teach the curriculum, no matter how much it changes,” Baraka Benjamin, an English and Math teacher, said confidently after the most recent GPS training.
Multiple teacher trainings have taken place at OSS and GPS over the last few months, with the plan to continue these sessions bi-monthly throughout the rest of the year. Trainings have been aimed at helping teachers incorporate new techniques to best reach a variety of learners – from focusing on learning through touch to support kinesthetic learners, using technology to support visual and auditory learners, understanding how to manage an inclusive classroom, and enhancing lesson plans with interactive activities.
TCF is fostering a collaborative and supportive environment at GPS and OSS where teachers learn new skills, ask questions, and try out new techniques in order to best serve students. By revolutionizing the standard of education available in our community, students are empowered to feel confident and excel in their studies.