Transformational Teacher Training for Kindergarten Teachers in the Eastern Region of Ghana

This 3-year project targets the systemic challenge of weak teacher capacity in the early years education sector in Ghana.

Firstly, the project delivers districtwide in-service training to every government kindergarten teacher across six districts of the Eastern Region. The training helps teachers to transform their teaching practice from rote-based teaching to delivering the Ghana Education Service kindergarten curriculum through an active, play-based pedagogy.

Secondly, the project helps to strengthen pre-service teacher training by supporting student teachers studying for their Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education. It does this through working with the two Colleges of Education in the Eastern Region to improve the practical placements for students in schools. The project establishes a network of Partner Schools containing Model Practice Classrooms in close proximity to the Colleges of Education that are able to host student teachers during their placements. The student teachers will receive high quality mentoring throughout their placement, which will best prepare them to implement the play-based pedagogy once they become Newly Qualified Teachers.

Over the three-year lifespan of the project, we will be able to reach approximately 1,000 teachers and 600 student teachers, leading to improved learning outcomes for 38,512 kindergarten children. 318 head teachers, College of Education lecturers and Ghana Education Service officers will be able to deliver training and monitor and sustain quality classroom practice. Parents will also be sensitized to the importance of early years education. Involving all relevant stakeholders is part of the projects holistic approach to supporting system-level change.