Educators Begin a Year-Long Journey

On 17 April 2015, over a hundred educators began their year-long (378 hours) Professional Learning with the Professional Development Center at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa. We had about 110 teachers from 50 schools across Mombasa County who have enrolled for PTE (Programme for Teachers of English), PTM (Programme for Teachers of Mathematics), TOT (Trainer of Trainers) and SSP- ELM (School Support Programme for Education Leadership and Management).The ToT included an MoEST official, County Education Official, Shanzu Teachers Training Collect Tutors and two Star Headteachers (one from AKES and one from a public school).

This will involve the enhancement of pedagogical leadership for the school leaders, communicative approach to teaching language for the teachers of English and cognitive guided instruction for teachers of mathematics. The course watch will have a cohort of 45 educators. The course run in three modules each of 126 hours running in two weeks face-to-
face during school holiday followed by a school term of alternative Saturday session for in-situ session.

During the school term the teachers will be observed and provided with constructive feedback followed by in-situ sessions to fill in the gaps identified. The opening was graced by Mr. David Ochieng, Vice Principal for the Middle Years Programme, who linked the Academy programme with the outreach objectives. Mr. Ochieng highlighted the inquiry approach, collaborative planning and problem-based learning as some of the areas that were an overflow from the Academy to the outreach programme.

He cited the importance of community service which can be initiative of teachers in the public schools to participate in or encourage their students to be pro-active in. Dr. Gioko, the Vice Principal for Professional Development and Outreach took the participants through the programmes of the PDC, the partners and the objectives. Each Master Trainer presented their portfolio with Mr. Howard Omukami presenting the Programme of Teacher of Mathematics and Mr. Kiforo Enos presenting the Programme of Teacher of English. Ms. Rose Iminza shared on the School Support Programme and the Teacher Preparation Programme, while Mr. Isaiah Njagi explained the Educating Girls in Science Programme. In attendance were the administrative assistance Ms. Judith Chiteh and Ms. Jane Muiru. Mr. Ochieng declared the Year 3 SESEA programmes to begin. We look forward to an enriching and fulfilling session for all those involved.

Dr. Anthony Gioko and the PDC Team