Tyronne Reid, Staff ReporterSCORES OF local educators gave overwhelming approval to a suggestion by United States Professor, Helen Abadiano, that maybe it was time for local teachers' colleges to push for a four-year degree programme in teacher education to assist in national development.
Professor Abadiano, who was speaking yesterday at the Joint Board of Teacher Education's annual professional development conference, is chair in the Department of Reading and Language Arts School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University.
"If we acknowledge that 'professionalism and specialised knowledge' are crucial to teacher preparation, what are the implications to teacher education programmes?" asked the Professor.
PROFESSIONALLY COMPETENT
"For instance, can we confidently describe our students who complete a three-year diploma as 'professionally competent and knowledgeable about content? Are our teachers active, lifelong, learners? Are they reflective and collaborative practitioners? Is it time for all teachers' colleges to push for a four-year degree programme in teacher education?" she continued and the conference erupted with shouts of approval.
Elaine Foster Allen, principal of the Shortwood Teachers' College who also spoke at the conference, reiterated several points from the recently created Task Force on Education such as suggestions to introduce performance-based incentives for teachers. This suggestion did not sit well with the educators.
Minister of Education Maxine Henry-Wilson who was scheduled to open the conference yesterday missed the event because of "an urgent matter".
The conference ends today at the Jamaica Conference Centre, downtown Kingston, where teachers will look at curriculum design and mentoring programmes for new teachers.
