In Ghana, a structure has been put in place to ensure that teachers at different educational levels have the necessary qualifications and expertise to provide quality education.
The system, which emphasizes progression and specialization, aims to raise the standard of education across all tiers.
Basic Level
At the basic level, which includes primary and junior high school, teachers are required to have a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in primary education or a specific subject area for junior high school.
Previously, the minimum qualification was a Diploma in Basic Education (DBE), but this has recently become obsolete.
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Senior High Schools (SHS)/TEVT
For senior high school and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), teachers must have a Bachelor’s degree with specialization in the specific subject area they will be teaching at the senior high school level.
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Colleges of Education
In colleges of education, the minimum qualification is a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in a subject area related to the teacher’s first degree.
For example, someone with a B.Ed in Information Technology can pursue an MPhil or PhD in Information Technology or ICT.
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Universities/Technical Universities
At the university level, teachers are required to have an MPhil or PhD in a specific subject area.
It is worth noting that the advanced degree does not necessarily have to be in the same subject but must be in the same subject area as the first degree.
For example, someone with a B.Ed or BSc in Accounting can obtain an MPhil or PhD in Finance, Management, Marketing, Human Resource, or Procurement and Supply Chain.
Additionally, those without an education background are required to have a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) to be eligible for university-level teaching positions.
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Theses structure allow for progression and specialization. As teachers move up the educational ladder, qualifications become progressively higher.
Furthermore, at higher levels, there is flexibility in subject area transitions between degrees.
This means that teachers can shift their specialization to related fields. The aim is to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their respective teaching levels.