-Amid Challenges
By: Blamo N. Toe
The Liberia Standard Teacher Training College (LSTTC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), has administered its final exit exams to over 200 in-training teachers of the college.
At the climax of the public test, the Founder and National Training Director of LSTTC, Reverend Andrew S. Fayiah, Sr., told a team of reporters on the Bushrod over the weekend that the in-training teachers had earlier completed rigorous classroom assessment.
According to him, the Ministry of Education demanded the conduct of the exit exam aimed at testing professional and pedagogical skills, thus justifying their eligibility for graduation.
“Upon the completion of this exercise, successful teachers will be fit for graduation, but the unsuccessful ones will automatically be disqualified, and they would have to return next year for a redo of the exam before graduation, Fayiah stated.
The renowned Liberian educator and cleric also expressed optimism that the teachers will perform exceptionally, considering the professional training they acquired in the classroom from their master trainers.
He further urged the in-training teachers to value professionalism and refrain from unethical practices in the classroom. “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
Rev. Fayiah lauded those teachers for keeping the courage amid the struggling economy to complete their training circle. He also thanked the Ministry of Education for playing an effective monitoring and evaluation role during the activities.
However, some of the in-training teachers have called on the Liberian government to prioritize building their professional capacity and provide some financial assistance.
Pastor JB. Walker Dennis, President of Branch Two of LSTTC, disclosed that a few of their colleagues could not reach the final level to write the exit exams due to financial challenges.
“I feel so sad that some of my colleagues are not writing this test with us because they don’t have the money, and this should claim the immediate attention of the national government to help,” Pst. Dennis stressed.
According to him, in-training teachers find it very difficult to afford to purchase learning materials and pay their fees. “Let the government step outside small by assisting private teacher training institutes, too, instead of only looking after public institutions.”
In addition, Christian J. Doe, Vice President of LSTTC Student Council Government Branch One, lauded the college for building her professional knowledge and instilling in her bravery to face the larger society.
“I was not that fluent and brave to speak in public, but the public speaking course, among the many important courses, helped me a lot, and we were even taken to one of the local radio stations in Monrovia where we boldly articulated the issues affecting teachers’ education in Liberia,” she stated.
