After obtaining a First degree, many graduates tend to find out if their qualification can assist them in gaining enjoyment in the second-cycle education sector (SHS).
The answer to the search is that a degree certificate must be earned. However, to teach in any of the Senior High Schools (SHS) in Ghana, you must study in any specialized education course that is taught in SHSs or take study leave for the course. The right/appropriate degree will help you to teach in any SHS in the country.
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What is the minimum GES rank for newly recruited teachers in Senior High School?
The newly recruited teachers in Senior High School have GES rank PS (minimum).
What is the minimum qualification for teachers in Ghana?
According to the Ministry of Education, the minimum qualification for teachers in Ghana is a First degree.
Teachers teaching at the basic school level now (KG, Primary & JHS) are holders of First degree.
Does a Distance/Sandwich certificate qualify a teacher to teach at SHS?
Many people have the notion that teachers who acquire certificates via the Sandwich programme /Distance Learning are not qualified to teach at the SHS level.
According to the Ministry of Education in 2019, it was explained that there is no policy that disqualifies teachers who earned their certificates through Distance Learning (Sandwich Programme) from teaching in public Senior High Schools (SHS) in the country.
In an official release issued by the Ministry of Education, the concern about the Distance/Sandwich certificate was
It was disclosed crystal clear that “the official position is that a degree in Early Childhood Education or Basic Education whether through Sandwich or Campus programs does not constitute eligibility to teach at a Senior High School.”
The issued statement was signed by Vincent Ekow Assafuah, the then Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Education Ministry.
In the statement, it was captured that over the years, “the impression has been created that any degree qualifies one to teach at the Senior High school even if the degree (such as Early Childhood or Basic Education) is tailored for teaching at the Kindergarten or primary levels. That is not accurate.”
Further, it was added that a degree earned in any subject area whether through Distance or campus programme qualifies one to teach in a Senior High School.
In addition, there are other requirements set by the National Teaching Council and Ghana Education Service which the teacher has to meet before she/he can be employed to teach in SHS.
How can a teacher transition from “Basic School” to SHS?
Making the transition from “Basic School” to SHS is very easy but it can only materialize if you propel the wheel for it properly.
Teachers willing to move from basic school (KG, Primary, JHS) to SHS are obliged to gain admission into an accredited university to study a specialized course and earn a degree before they can be employed there.
After acquiring the degree in your chosen specialized course area.
Kindly be informed that the degree earned from the Basic Education programme does not qualify you to teach at the second-cycle level, SHS.
You must go for another study in a course area and reapply for teaching at the SHS level.
Study Leave with Pay: How to apply, conditions attached and subject areas to opt for.
According to the GES, the conditions that one must meet before she/he can be granted a STUDY LEAVE WITH PAY PER THE 2023 ACADEMIC YEAR are as follows:
Grant For Study Leave With Pay -CONDITIONS
- The minimum number of years to serve before qualifying for the grant of Study Leave With Pay is 3 (three) years of satisfactory service.
A beneficiary of Study Leave With Pay shall be bonded for the number of years served at the Institution plus one (1) year. - An applicant (staff of GES) who has served in a designated deprived area for Two (2) years may be eligible for consideration for the grant of Study Leave With Pay.
- Non-professional graduate teachers should have served for at least one (1) year before being eligible for any of the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) courses.
- Staff of the Service returning from Secondment must serve a minimum of two (2) years before they become eligible for Study Leave With Pay.
- Staff of the Service who vacate, leave the service and are re-appointed/re-engaged must serve a minimum of five (5) years before being eligible for Study Leave With Pay.
- A Staff who does not qualify for the grant of Study Leave With Pay in the first year cannot apply again in the second year of his/her studies. The Staff must apply for Study Leave Without Pay to pursue the course.
- A Staff who is eligible for Study Leave With Pay must have a minimum of two (2) years to serve after the course. For example, a Staff who is Fifty- Five (55) years and above cannot apply for Study Leave With Pay to pursue a course that lasts Four (4) years or more.
He/She can, however, apply to pursue courses that have a duration/between One (1) and Three (3) years.
- A Staff shall be eligible for Study Leave With Pay subject to the following:
a) Good conduct and performance
b) Recommendation by immediate supervisor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum qualification for teachers in Ghana?
In Ghana, the minimum qualification for teachers is a First degree.
Teachers teaching at the basic school level now (KG, Primary & JHS) are holders of First degree.
Does a Distance/Sandwich certificate qualify a teacher to teach at SHS?
Many people have the notion/impression that teachers who acquire certificates via the Sandwich programme /Distance Learning are not qualified to teach at the SHS level. However, this concept is false and misleading according to the MoE.
How to transition from Basic school level to SHS level?
To transition from Basic School to SHS, you have to fulfill the following necessary conditions:
- Choose an accredited university and apply for admission. Apply for a specialized SHS education course.
- You can opt for the Study Leave With Pay option.
- Complete the necessary courses such as Master’s in Basic Education.
- Next, reapply to teach at the SHS level.
NB: Employment is not assured. You will be employed if there is a vacancy.
Non-professional teachers
Who are non-professional teachers?
If the Ghana Education Service encounters a shortfall in mathematics or physics educators, those holding degrees in BSc Physics or Pure Mathematics from the University of Ghana (UG), or M.Phil Mathematics Education (Regular) from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), may be considered. These individuals, labeled Non-professional teachers, must undertake educational courses under B.Ed. at the University of Ghana (UG) to swiftly augment their teaching expertise and sustain their roles in the classroom.
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