The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, (UESD), Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson was presented with the Legendary Teacher Award at the 2023 GES Yilo Krobo Municipal World Teachers Day hosted by UESD for his outstanding contributions to the teaching profession.
This was at a colorful ceremony held in the Auditorium, Multi-Purpose Building on Thursday, 5th October, 2023 on the global theme: “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse the Teacher Shortage.”
It was attended by teachers across the Municipality, traditional rulers, Municipal Chief Executive, the Municipal Education Director, the Member of Parliament in Yilo Krobo and representatives from security agencies in the Municipality.
Awards were also presented to teachers in the Kindergarten, Primary and Best Head teacher categories.
In an address, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson who was the Guest Speaker expressed appreciation to the Awards Committee for the honour done him. He bemoaned the rising level of teacher attrition in Sub-Saharan Africa which he attributed to internal and external factors.
Touching on the global theme, Prof. Nyarko-Sampson identified challenges that hamper the growth of teachers including, the lack of preparation by teachers before classes, poor administrative support, poorly designed classroom and academic structures, and lack of development opportunities for teachers.
The Vice-Chancellor argued that highly efficient teaching requires not only the use of methodologies based on research, but also leadership abilities, subject-matter expertise, life experience, organization, devotion, knowledge, passion, and practical knowledge. He stated that as a facilitator, the teacher should be on top in terms of knowledge transfer.
He said, the attributes of the 21st century teachers should include higher-order thinking skills, effective communication, collaboration, and other skills. Such skills are necessary in administering effective knowledge transfers from the teacher to the pupils.
The Professional Counsellor advised teachers to encourage group discussions among learners and encourage them to learn new skills that will make them competitive in the global environment.