NTC to issue ‘teaching’ licenses to teachers exempted from GTLE

The National Teaching Council (NTC) from May 15, 2023, will issue professional licenses to teachers exempted to write the Ghana teacher licensure examination (GTLE), the Registrar of the Council, Dr Christian Addai Poku has said.

In a letter sighted by AcademicWeek, the National Teaching Council said the issuance of licenses is for newly qualified teachers and teachers who are exempted from the Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE).

“The National Teaching Council (NTC) will be embarking on the issuance of a licence to newly qualified teachers and teachers who have been exempted from the Ghana teacher licensure examination (GTLE),” the letter dated May 5, 2023, noted.

Speaking to stakeholders on the licence issuance, the Council’s Registrar indicated that the Greater Accra Region has 5447 teachers, the largest, while the Savanna region has 189, the least number, expected to receive their licenses.

He stated that the NTC would continue to put in place policies and measures to ensure that teachers work with the right qualification, adhere to required standards and uphold professionalism to enhance effective teaching and learning.

Dr Christian Addai Poku urged all Regional, Municipal, Metropolitan and District Directors of Education to actively monitor the process to ensure a successful exercise.

To stakeholders, the Executive Director of the National Teaching Council (NTC) entreated them to work together with the team working on the project (issuance of the professional licenses) to guarantee a successful outcome.

In another story, the Deputy Director of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Services, David Prah has been asked to increase the pass mark or rate for the Ghana teacher licensure examination (GTLE).

Speaking at a meeting to discuss the quality and trend analysis of the Ghana teacher licensure examination and teacher professionalism and practice, the Deputy Director for TVET Service said the pass mark for the GTLE is low.

Mr David Prah in his submission said the 50% pass mark is equal to 50% of the teacher licensed to teach hence the need for the National Teaching Council (NTC) to increase the pass mark for the Ghana teacher licensure examination.

“I am happy that our teacher union leaders are with us. The pass rate and percentage for passing I believe is suspect and questionable. 50% for a teacher to step into a classroom, meaning that he has a 50% deficit which is disastrous and needs to be revised,” he said.