Title: The Significance of CPD Points-Based System in Teacher Professional Development in Ghana

Authors: Boateng, Nkansah, Esaaba, Sarpong & Sarpong

Introduction

In the realm of education, the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points-based system has emerged as a vital mechanism for teachers in Ghana to bolster their professional growth. While this system enjoys widespread endorsement from educational agencies and institutions, there are pockets of resistance among certain groups of teachers.

In this essay, we will explore the importance of the CPD points-based system in teacher professional development in Ghana, criticize opposing viewpoints, and elucidate why it is reasonable for teachers to allocate a portion of their Professional Development allowance for their own career development, referencing Section 16 of the collective agreement document.

Furthermore, we will underscore how the CPD points-based system enables teachers to create convincing CPD transcripts to support their diversification into other specialties.

Importance of CPD Points-Based System

1. Elevating Teaching Quality: The CPD points-based system is pivotal in elevating the quality of teaching in Ghana. This system compels teachers to continually upgrade their skills and knowledge, ensuring that they can deliver top-notch education to their students.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) underscores the significance of CPD in its policies, striving to cultivate a cadre of highly competent educators.

1. Staying Aligned with Educational Trends: Education is a dynamic field, characterized by evolving pedagogical approaches, technological advancements, and curriculum changes. The CPD points-based system urges teachers to stay in tune with these developments. This ensures that they can adapt to changing student needs and provide pertinent, up-to-date instruction.

2. Fostering a Culture of Lifelong Learning: Education is a lifelong journey, and teachers are quintessential role models for their students. By participating in CPD activities, educators embody the value of lifelong learning. This not only serves their professional growth but also instills a culture of continuous learning among students.

3. Facilitating Career Advancement: CPD points are intricately linked to career advancement within the teaching profession in Ghana. Teachers who actively partake in CPD activities accumulate points that contribute to their prospects of promotion. The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and other educational bodies stress this linkage, incentivizing teachers to invest in their professional development.

Condemnation of Opposition to CPD Points-Based System
Though the CPD points-based system has shown its effectiveness, there exist dissenting voices within the teaching community. These critics argue that it places an undue financial burden on teachers and lacks flexibility. However, these arguments are refutable:

1. Shared Responsibility for Professional Growth: Section 16 of the collective agreement document explicitly stipulates that teachers and non-professional teachers are to use their professional development allowance to access CPDs, which will count towards their promotions. This underscores the shared responsibility for professional growth. Just as other professionals invest in their development, teachers must do the same to provide the best education to their students.

2. Resource Allocation: It is reasonable to allocate a portion of the Professional Development allowance for CPDs, as it directly contributes to the teacher’s career. This allocation represents a prudent investment that leads to long-term career gains, including enhanced teaching skills and career progression.

3. Creating Convincing CPD Transcripts: The CPD points-based system enables teachers to generate CPD transcripts, providing compelling evidence to support their diversification into other specialties. This flexibility allows educators to pursue broader knowledge and potentially enhance their contributions to the education sector.

Conclusion
In Ghana, the CPD points-based system is an indispensable component of teacher professional development, with steadfast support from educational agencies like the GES and GNAT. Despite dissenting voices, this system plays a pivotal role in enhancing teaching quality, aligning educators with evolving trends, fostering lifelong learning, and facilitating career advancement. Teachers should embrace the CPD points-based system as a means to not only improve their professional skills but also secure a brighter future in the teaching profession.

Ultimately, investing in CPD is an investment in the nation’s education system and its students. Moreover, it empowers teachers to diversify their specialties and contribute even more effectively to the education sector.