CPCE urges young educators to embrace the hinterland

…as MOE highlights points-based promotional system

As scores of young and upcoming educators gathered on Thursday at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) for its Open Day, Oma Ramdin, Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), speaking on behalf of Education Minister Priya Manickchand, urged prospective teachers enrolling in the college’s programme to consider careers in the hinterland.
Noting that more schools are being built in those far-flung communities to serve children living there, Ramdin said the demand for teaching staff in those areas would dramatically increase over the next few years. As such, in order to encourage more educators to relocate to hinterland communities, the Ministry of Education has developed a three-point promotional strategy which supports and rewards teachers who work in those regions for a minimum of four years.

Stressing that the promotional-based system is a critical component in advancing and retaining qualified teachers, Ramdin declared, “For every four years you spend in the hinterland, you will get three points. If you didn’t know, for those young, aspiring teachers, being promoted in the profession is all about points. You have to be qualified and you have to be experienced in order to secure a promotion. So, you’re getting points while you’re also getting to learn about another region.”
She also highlighted that by taking up a teaching career and qualifying themselves at CPCE, aspiring educators are contributing directly and meaningfully to the country’s development, changing lives in classrooms, and inspiring young minds to make positive contributions through their future professions and roles in society.
Ramdin pointed out that CPCE stands as a beacon of teacher training in Guyana, and encouraged students to let the orientation be the first step in a fulfilling journey.
According to the NCERD director, in addition to investing in schools, the Government is committed to creating comfortable living quarters for educators who opt to be relocated.
“If you have been following the news, you would have heard the Minister of Education, proudly and rightly so, say that we have completed and are currently building some 20 new secondary schools in the hinterland regions. What does that mean for you? That means we need you to work in those schools. So, don’t think about where will I live? Are there mosquitoes? Is there a water or electricity problem? I know the questions come, but I also want to tell you that in building these schools, we are also thinking about you — and teachers’ quarters are being constructed just for those of you who are bold enough to step forward.”
She added, “What happens within those regions are rich experiences — experiences that we can’t pay you for. CPCE also offers a pathway to national development. I started off by telling you it is not only about the money or just getting a job. My dear friends, taking a career in teaching and qualifying yourself at CPCE means something more.”
In Guyana’s education system, promotional points for teachers are determined by a combination of factors, including years of service, qualifications, and professional development.
The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) of Guyana plays a crucial role in managing senior promotions and follows specific criteria for such appointments.
Meanwhile, a key point that were shared throughout the Open Day was the core principles it takes to become a teacher. According to her, great teachers are inspiring — not just teaching mathematics, English, and Spanish.
“You are inspiring people to love what they do. Teaching is not merely a profession, it is a calling. I want you to think: Being here today, is it a calling for you? Is it a stepping ground? Do you really, really want to teach? Because I can tell you, if you think about salary, in most cases that might not be the motivating factor. But if you think about the kind of intrinsic reward that you will get from making the life of a child better, that is all you need.
“Teaching requires more than knowledge. After you graduate from CPCE proudly with your certificate, it doesn’t end there. It demands empathy, dedication, and a deep love for learning. As one wise reflection puts it: Teaching isn’t a skill to be mastered or a science to be reduced to a formula; teaching is an art to be loved — at CPCE.”