New training programs to upgrade teachers’ levels

In an effort to enhance the performance of the independent school-teachers and to improve their capabilities and professionalism, the Supreme Education Council’s Education Institute and Qatar University signed an agreement to launch training programs aimed at upgrading the levels of the teachers and informing them on the latest educational theories and teaching practices.

Mrs. Sabah Al Haidous, the Education Institute director, and Dr. Hessa Mohammed Sadiq, the Dean of the Faculty of Education at Qatar University signed the new agreement at a press conference held on March 9, 2008 at the Education Institute premises. The agreement also involves attracting teachers from the Ministry of Education to join the independent schools.

“Teachers are the cornerstone of the education process and the education reform effort aims at promoting both the learners as well as the teacher,” said Ms. Al Haidoos. “The education reform initiative is in need of a large number of highly qualified teachers and other professional experts in the education sector to help build world-class education system that meet the needs of the labor market.”

The one-year assistant teacher program conducted in the morning offers educational and professional subjects in addition to English language and the use of Information and Communication Technology. Based on an pre-signed agreement, the trainee will receive a QR 3000 remuneration that is refundable if the trainee spends less than 3 years as an assistant teacher at kindergarten. The program attracts high school graduates and 20% of non-Qatari females can join the program under the same conditions.

There is also a yearlong professional development for both male and female teachers comprising educational and professional subjects in addition to English language and the use of Information and Communication Technology. Both male and female teachers from the Ministry of Education teachers will participate in the program. On completion of the program, the trainee will be rewarded a grant. The professional development program for teachers takes place during the academic year. Application to the program can be sent to: pd@sec.gov.qa

The Education Institute has conducted several training programs for teachers since 2004 to help equip them with the skills and knowledge that are aligned to the National Professional Standards for Teachers and independent School Leaders set by the Supreme Education Council in 2006. The programs are aimed at improving the teacher performance, develop the education system, and to promote the teacher professionally, financially and socially.