How Do I Progress In The Teaching Profession – Further Studies Issues

As a teacher in a public or private school, trained or not, have you considered how to progress in the teaching profession through further studies? No matter where you stand, taking steps and investing in further studies is one sure way to add value to yourself and your chosen profession as a teacher.
If this information seems useless to you, then, I’m sorry, it’s not meant for you.
Now, read on.
For teachers in private schools who do not have any teaching-related diploma or degree, it is time to fold your sleeves and hook on to an education-focused degree in a College of Education to kick start your professional teaching journey.
After acquiring a Degree in Basic Education from a teacher training college, your entry-level rank is Senior Superintendent II. For further studies, you can either choose to pursue a 2-year Post-Diploma Degree in Basic Education (which is a first degree) or a 4-year Degree course.
This can be done through Distance, Regular, or Sandwich programs. Both degrees place you on the same salary scale: Principal Superintendent, which is two steps ahead of a new entrant diploma holder. With long service, you can also be upgraded to this scale, but further studies expedite the process.
The 2-year course is shorter and preferable for those who want to continue teaching at the basic school level, but you will remain there until you further your education.
The 4-year course is longer but offers more opportunities outside the teaching profession, depending on the course you take. You may even be posted to teach at the senior high school, which is why many prefer the 4-year course.
After acquiring a degree, whether in Basic Education or Second Cycle Education, you qualify to pursue a second degree (Master’s). The difference lies in the subject or area you choose to specialise in. Your previous coursework may influence the subject or area for your Master’s.
While a Master’s degree does not come with a specific salary rank in the GES, it opens up many enviable positions.
Modes of Education To Progress In The Teaching Profession: Consider the following options and make a choice:.
Regular Mode:
You can choose to attend school through the Regular mode after obtaining study leave, either with or without pay. To qualify for study leave with pay, you need to serve three or four years, depending on your teaching location. Study leave with pay only allows you to pursue education-related courses, while study leave without pay has no such limitation. You are posted back to the classroom automatically after completing your degree when you went on study leave with pay. Those without pay will only be posted when there’s a vacancy.
Sandwich Programme:
This program is for those who cannot leave their jobs for long or those who can’t get study leave. It runs during vacations, especially long vacations, while the short vacation usually takes one month from working days. It’s a hit-and-run module where you sacrifice your vacations during the study period. It offers two- and three-year courses, including basic and second-cycle education. Upon successful completion, you receive the same degree certificate as regular students, with no indication of the module, carrying equal weight.
Distance Learning:
This program runs during weekends, with face-to-face lectures on two weekends every month. The rest of the learning is self-directed, with interactive reading materials that simulate having a facilitator. It offers courses in basic education and has multiple campuses to address proximity issues. While it’s challenging to combine work and studies, it’s worthwhile, especially since study leave with pay is hard to obtain. It’s advantageous for those with side businesses requiring their physical presence.
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Know yourself, understand your goals, and choose what works best for you. If this information doesn’t make sense to you, it’s not meant for you. Share it—maybe someone on your timeline needs it.
As a teacher, no matter where you stand now, it is surely time to progress in the teaching profession from where you stand.
Hon. Jerry Akporhor
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