On the picturesque date of September 13, 2023, something special unfolded at Pine Hotel, Komenda Junction—an event that brought together the dedicated educators of the Ayensudo Circuit schools for their very first annual end of year retreat. This momentous gathering, held under the theme “Refreshing on our Professional Mandate and Ethics towards Improving our Performance,” marked a pivotal milestone in the pursuit of educational excellence in the circuit.
Imagine a room filled with teachers, each with a passion for nurturing young minds, each with a commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards, and each with a shared vision of elevating their students’ learning experiences. The Ayensudo Circuit schools’ maiden retreat was a melting pot of expertise, enthusiasm, and a collective drive to make a difference in the lives of their students.
During the event, Mr. Ebenezer Darkoh Ansah, the Examination Officer for KEEA, took the stage at the Ayensudo Local Maiden End of Year Teachers’ Retreat, held at Pine Hotel, Komenda Junction. This gathering brought together teachers from the 10 public basic schools in the Ayensudo Circuit, along with distinguished guests including Mr. Andrews Quayson, Ayensudo Circuit SISO, Mr. Ackon Amoah, Head of Supervision at KEEA, Mr. Mependo, Planning Officer, Mr. Sylvester Akaekyir, acting as the representative of the District Director, and headteachers from various schools.
In his speech, Mr. Ansah touched on the theme, “Refreshing our Commitment and Ethical Values to Enhance Our Performance,” underscoring the pivotal role of professional mandate and ethics in the teaching profession. He passionately conveyed that teachers bear the profound responsibility of providing high-quality education to their students while upholding the cherished principles of their vocation. This entails being well-versed in their subject matter, utilizing effective teaching techniques, and treating students with unwavering respect and fairness.
Furthermore, Mr. Ansah stressed the significance of upholding professional ethics, including integrity, honesty, and confidentiality. He encouraged educators to steer clear of conflicts of interest, refrain from accepting any gifts or favors from students or parents, and maintain appropriate boundaries with their students.
In addition to these vital aspects, Mr. Ansah delved into other critical subjects:
Professional Code of Conduct:
He delved into the professional code of conduct for teachers, outlining its ethical and professional standards. This code encompasses maintaining confidentiality, combating discrimination, and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. Teachers were urged to acquaint themselves with this code and utilize it as a compass for their professional journey.
Information Management within the Ghana Education Service:
Mr. Ansah emphasized the importance of accurate and timely information management within the Ghana Education Service. He elucidated how information flows from headteachers, through districts, regions, and finally to national headquarters. Effective information management, he emphasized, is pivotal in ensuring informed decision-making.
Teacher Time on Task:
The significance of optimizing teacher time on task was highlighted. Teachers were encouraged to focus on instructional activities during the school day, minimizing distractions and disruptions to ensure students receive the best possible education.
Accountability and Stewardship:
Lastly, Mr. Ansah tackled the importance of accountability and stewardship among teachers, SISOs, and headteachers. He elucidated that these individuals shoulder the responsibility of ensuring that resources are used efficiently to provide quality education. He urged teachers to take ownership of their work and collaborate with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
In his conclusion, Mr. Ansah’s speech at the Ayensudo Local Maiden End of Year Teachers’ Retreat provided valuable insights and guidance for educators in the Ayensudo Local area. By underlining the importance of professional commitment and ethical values, the professional code of conduct, information management, teacher time management, and accountability and stewardship, Mr. Ansah’s speech served as a rallying call for teachers to strive for excellence and deliver high-quality education to their students.
At the Ayensudo Local Maiden End of Year Teachers’ Retreat, teachers from the various schools engaged in indoor games such as Ludo and Draft (Dame).
They also participated in a competition where disposable cups were arranged to form a pyramid. These activities provided a fun and engaging way for teachers to bond and build relationships with their colleagues from other schools.
There was also a dine and merrymaking ceremony.
