Teachers raise objections to proposed entry requirements for CPCE

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Several objections were raised on Monday, March 10 by teachers from across Georgetown to the proposed entry requirements for the Cyril Potter College of Education as they gathered to discuss the draft Professional Standards for Teachers in the main auditorium of Queens College.

The draft document proposes that teachers have at least five CSEC subjects, inclusive of Mathematics and English at grades one or two.

While some have agreed with this standard put forward, others have suggested that special consideration be given to teachers who are not specializing in the area of mathematics to at least be allowed into the College with a grade three and vice versa.

Additionally, the suggestion was also made for teachers who would have written the similar CSEC examinations years ago and also have grade three in the subject area to be given special consideration, instead of having to write the subject again to acquire the stipulated requirement.

This is the second of 71 such consultations to be held across the country on the supervision, leadership and delivery of education after which recommendations made will be considered and will see the draft document being altered.

The draft document can be found on the Ministry of Education website and 10,000 copies were distributed to teachers across the country.

Minister of Education, PriyaManickchand who was present at the consultation held at Queen’s College, said she highly anticipates the discussion to be held with teachers, parents, PTA bodies and the public on the draft document. She said so far the consultations have been successful.

Manickchand explained that the draft document was birthed out of a smaller consultation with teachers, members of the teachers union, Ministry of Education and CPCE, among others.

Going through the document with the gathering was former Headmistress and Director of NCERD Jeniffer Cumberbatch.

Those present were able to offer criticisms and recommendations all of which are geared towards improving the existing standards that will engender behaviors from teachers that will not bring disrepute to the profession.