Starting in September 2012, a new quality teacher training programme will be available to persons residing in the Cayman Islands, as part of the Ministry of Education’s “TeachCayman” initiative. One of the goals of the initiative is to attract high-performing individuals to the teaching profession.

The successful candidates will have the chance to follow an internationally recognised, on-line programme leading to the Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) from the University of Sunderland, which will be complemented by specially designed workshops offered locally by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI).

Cetonya Cacho, the Co-ordinator for Initial Teacher Training, who is on secondment to the Ministry from her post as principal of Bodden Town Primary school said, “The PGCE is an internationally recognised qualification. It is aligned with the Cayman Islands National Curriculum and will prepare teachers who meet the Cayman Islands National Professional Standards for Teachers.”

The course is a one-year, full-time programme, designed to prepare new teachers for the primary years in Cayman Islands schools.  The course is intended to attract Caymanians to the teaching profession, but non-Caymanians will be considered. Applicants must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate studies or a 2.2 honours degree.  No prior teaching experience is necessary as teaching experience will be a key part of the programme organised and supported by the Ministry.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rolston Anglin is delighted that his Ministry has enabled this course to be offered locally and said, “Teaching is a most honourable profession and one that should be respected and valued.  It is also a profession in which we need to see more young Caymanians.  As a result, my Ministry felt that it was important that a high quality teaching qualification should be provided locally.  I encourage all those who wish to pursue teaching as a career to consider this opportunity and apply for this course.”

Chief Officer in the Ministry, Mrs. Mary Rodrigues explained that the University of Sunderland has substantial experience in delivering on-line Initial Teacher Training programmes in a number of different countries. It has been quality assured by OfSTED.

“It is a very flexible and accessible way of following a PGCE programme. Alongside of their academic studies, student teachers will spend a substantial amount of time based in a Cayman Islands school practising their teaching skills and will be supported individually by a designated, trained, mentor who is an experienced classroom teacher,” she said.

Mrs. Rodrigues acknowledged the work of a committee consisting of Ministry, UCCI and DES representatives, who have been working for some months on ways to enhance the range and quality of teacher training programmes available locally.  She noted that the PGCE was an important first outcome of this collaboration.

Applications for this course are now being accepted.  Application forms and all the details of the course can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.gov.ky.  Alternatively, interested persons can email [email protected] or call 244-5736 or 244-5724 for more information.  The application deadline is Friday July 13, 2012.