The SEC launches three diploma programs to train teachers

The Supreme Education Council (SEC) in collaboration with Qatar University (QU) has announced a number of opportunities and programs for the rehabilitation and employment of teachers including three programs - Primary, Secondary and Special Education Diplomas. This move is part of the SEC’s strategy to provide training opportunities, professional development and ultimately employment to Qataris and encourage and attract them to join the teaching profession.

The SEC will recruit new graduates who do not have a background in the education field to work as employees in the independent schools. The trainees will be offered a basic monthly salary and social allowance provided they study the diploma programs until completion. The students will have to successfully pass the diploma programs in order to obtain a professional license in a junior teaching level. All bachelor degree rules and regulations are applied to this program.

Applicants to the Special Education Diploma program are selected based on the admissions criteria defined by Qatar University. The staff member shall receive a day off from school every week. The number of enrolled employees should not exceed one employee from each school to make a total 30 employees from all schools. The SEC will sign contracts with the candidates to ensure they continue working in the same school after graduation.

The SEC and QU will offer programs to schools and educate teachers and Qatari coordinators of their importance. They will also brief and familiarize them with the entitlements during the study period and after graduation. The SEC will screen the applications received from schools to select the right candidates to register in the program.

The SEC will pay the salaries of associate staff from the independent schools and grant overtime for the additional daytime attendance. The SEC will also set the rules for passing the diploma program successfully within the basic requirements for the professional licensing.

On its part, Qatar University will organize to hold the Special Education Diploma once a week as well as organize timings to hold the other diplomas on a daily basis. It will issue a periodical report to the SEC at the end of each semester on the progress of the program; the level of teachers; or in case of any emergency that may need action from the SEC. Both the SEC and QU will follow the performance of teachers who complete the program in their schools.

In addition to these diploma programs, the partnership between the SEC and QU has seen the launch of the Bachelor of Primary Education program, which provides scholarships and incentives to female high school graduates and attract and motivate them to pursue the teaching profession. The bachelor program, which was launched during the Qatar Career Fair held from March 14 – 18, 2010 aims to graduate qualified teachers academically.