How to transition from Basic School to SHS: Qualification to teach in SHS

How to transition from Basic School to SHS: Qualification to teach in SHS

A number of Ghanaian School teachers are on the hunt for knowledge (qualification) about how they can transition from teaching in Basic Schools to Senior High School (SHS) in Ghana.

In this article, the focus will be the qualifications of teachers in Ghanaian Basic Schools, how to transition, and what one can do before they get employment in any SHS.

What qualifies a teacher to teach in SHS?

According to the Ministry of Education in 2019, the minimum qualification for a teacher to teach in Ghanaian Basic School is First Degree.
However, to transition from Basic School level teaching to SHS level, there are stated protocols that the teacher must observe.

Read more below to grasp the full understanding of teaching in SHS. 

How to qualify for teaching in SHS

The method is clear and crystal clear.
For an already teacher who is a First-degree holder in Basic Education, you are urged to do further studies in an area of specialization (precisely SHS-related education course) from an accredited university.

In the other vein, for fresh SHS graduates, kindly enroll in any university of your choice but the university should be offering educational courses that can enable you to teach in SHS.

In addition, already GES-employed teachers can apply for Study Leave With Pay before they go for further studies.

What GES rank is for new SHS teachers?

Newly recruited SHS teachers are holders of the GES PS rank. That is the minimum requirement for a teacher who wants to teach at the SHS level.

Is work assured after further studies for teaching in SHS?

Frankly, the guarantee to get employed after further study geared towards teaching in SHS is not assured wholly.
You may get employed if there is a vacancy.

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 about the Distance/Sandwich certificate, it was
disclosed 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.”

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh