Professor Frank S. Arku, Vice-President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Institute for Research and Industrial Relations Studies (IRIRS), emphasized the importance of allowing teachers to have a role in shaping the country’s education policies.
He highlighted a 2019 report from Education International, which found that over 80% of teachers in 123 countries were excluded from the process when new education policies or curriculum reforms were introduced.
Prof. Arku made these comments while presenting a paper titled "Shaping and Sharpening Young Educators" under the theme "Empowering the Next Generation" at the 76th New Year School in Accra last Wednesday. The event was organized by the School of Continuing and Distance Education at the College of Education, in partnership with various organizations. This year's New Year School theme is "Attaining the Five Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership."
Prof. Arku stressed that teachers are crucial to achieving Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDG 4), which focuses on providing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all. As the 2030 deadline for SDG 4 approaches, he noted the growing significance of teachers in ensuring learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to foster sustainable development.
However, he pointed out that UNESCO's 2022 report warned that global teacher shortages threaten progress toward SDG 4. He also mentioned that research by GNAT indicated that approximately 70% of teachers in Ghana are under 40 years old, with about 20% of new teachers leaving the profession within three years. On a global scale, he cited findings that 69% of young people find the teaching profession unappealing, and 64% of participants in a local study expressed a desire to leave teaching.
Prof. Arku suggested that one of the main challenges faced by young educators is navigating their career development. He proposed improving teachers' working conditions as a key solution, noting that many teachers leave due to poor conditions.
He also advocated for mentoring young teachers and giving them the autonomy to succeed, noting that teachers need models, not critics. He added that Ghanaians tend to criticize without supporting people to improve their work. Encouraging young educators and creating networks for Professional Learning Communities (PLC) are essential to help them perform at their best.
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Great heads-up