Principals Must be Trained at NCEL

It will soon become a requirement for educators to undergo training by the National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), for promotion to the position of principals and vice principals.

This was stated  by Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, during his contribution to the 2013/14 Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, on May 15.

“We understand the need for strong trained leadership in our schools,” the Minister emphasised.

He further informed that the NCEL will train 300 principals and education officers this year, noting that last financial year the college facilitated the training of three cohorts of school leaders, comprising 217 principals and education officers.

In the meantime, the Minister pointed out that a careful assessment of the functioning of the island’s teachers’ colleges will be undertaken, to encourage closer articulation with local universities and to better align offerings to national needs.

“Every year, our 10 teacher training institutions and our universities are graduating nearly 2,000 qualified teachers at great public and private cost, the majority of whom cannot find work in the public education system,” he lamented.

The Minister noted, however, that some teacher training institutions are already multi-disciplinary, which is especially required in the fields of science, food production, sports and culture training.

CONTACT: ALECIA SMITH-EDWARDS