The National Service Authority (NSA), in collaboration with Transforming Teaching, Education, and Learning (T-TEL), has launched the NSA Pedagogy Training for the 2024/2025 National Service Personnel (NSP) assigned to teach at Senior High, Technical, and Basic Schools across the country.

The launch took place at Accra College of Education (ACoE) and will run from Monday, November 4, to Friday, November 15, 2024.

Essential teaching skills

The training aims to equip NSP with essential teaching skills, focusing on areas such as lesson planning, educational technology, teaching methodologies, assessment techniques, professional appearance, and other aspects distinguishing professional educators from non-professionals.

Designed to create an interactive learning environment, the sessions will include facilitators engaging NSP in practical discussions on best practices for classroom effectiveness.

Skillsets

Speaking on behalf of the NSA Director General, Greater Accra Regional NSA Director, Jennifer Appiah Bempah, emphasised the programme's role in equipping NSP with skillsets tailored to the dynamic needs of Ghana’s educational landscape.

“I will encourage you to be attentive during the training sessions. Besides, you would stand a better chance of gaining in-depth knowledge in the field of professional teaching, and that will set you apart from your contemporaries in other fields considering the additional certification the training comes with,” she noted.

Employment

Jennifer Bempah further touched on the impact of last year’s training, which saw a considerable number of NSP gain employment within their assigned institutions.

She reiterated that the core objective of the training is to inspire NSP to impart knowledge, instill nationalistic values, shape attitudes, and positively influence the future of their respective students.

Jennifer Bempah stressed the importance of transitioning NSP smoothly from tertiary education into the workforce and indicated NSA’s commitment to enhancing a high standard of education through the programme.

Reflection

“The training today must reflect your general output in the classroom. I urge all of you to ensure that the kind of education you provide will be relevant and beneficial to the very students you are teaching, so it tickles down to the nation," she stated.

Addressing allowance delays, the Director advised NSP to strictly adhere to evaluation processes, as this would minimise payment issues.

Commendation

For his part, the Accra College of Education (ACoE) Principal, Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, commended NSA for its dedication to improving the teaching profession through pedagogical training, urging NSP to make the most of this opportunity.

The Head of Presbyterian Senior High School, Osu, and Representative of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Vincent Esoah, also advised NSP to remain diligent, highlighting the training’s potential benefits, including future job prospects.

The Deputy Director National Teaching Council in Charge of Operations, Lawrence Sarpong, urged the participants to embrace the training as it is a prerequisite for professional growth and development.

Meanwhile, the participants applauded the management of NSA and T-TEL for the training and promised to give their best.
(L) Jennifer Appiah Bempah, Greater Accra Regional NSA Director and Vincent Esoah, Head PRESEC, Osu (R)