Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development
The Ministry of Education in Jordan recognizes that improving the quality of education is a priority for the nation’s development, and therefore an ultimate goal to be achieved. Important tools for achieving this goal include developing the quality of teacher education through progressive reform of education policies and strategies and improving teacher training.
Decision makers in the Ministry believe that the Jordanian education system must prepare and qualify young people to be critical thinkers who acquire life skills in a changing world.10 They have identified an urgent need in the Jordanian education system to have highly qualified, competent teachers. The Ministry has responded to this need by implementing the Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy (ERfKE) project in two phases: ERfKE I in 2003–2009 and ERfKE II in 2010–2015. Key components of this reform are improved professional development and education, and improved learning resources.
Teacher Education Specific to Mathematics and Science
The minimum requirement for becoming a teacher in Jordan is completing a bachelor’s degree. Requirements specific to teaching mathematics and science include the following:
- Completion of a specific preservice program for mathematics and science teachers
- Teacher professional development, now a component considered during teacher certification
- Closer coordination with schools of education to satisfy the requirements of the Ministry of Education for preparing competent mathematics and science teachers
The efforts of the Ministry of Education Directorate of Training, Qualification, and Supervision concentrate on providing information to foster areas of strength and minimize areas of weakness in teachers. The directorate’s ultimate goal is to help Jordanian students become innovative thinkers who can build their local community and participate in the development of the international community.
Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development
Through the implementation of the Education Reform for the Knowledge Economy project, teacher competencies are being developed, and a comprehensive teacher professional development plan is being prepared. The in-service training of mathematics and science teachers has been moved to the Queen Rania Teachers Academy through a formal agreement that is scheduled to last for the next five years.