Opportunities available for certified teachers in Ghana include all manner of teaching. As long as you’ve been trained to teach, your teaching skills are transferable to almost every area of education. There are numerous career options available to certified teachers, some of which will occur within the formal education environment, while others will take place outside of that context.
Awareness of the potential avenues available to certified teachers should enable them to make better choices when deciding what they want to do with their careers. They may choose to pursue an avenue that aligns with their interest(s), goal(s), and values.
1. Public School Teaching
Workforce Within the Government’s Education System
Most commonly, a certified teacher will find work as a public basic/secondary school teacher within the Ghana Education Service. Public schools operate at various levels: kindergarten, primary, junior high school, and senior high school.
Public school teaching provides structure for career advancement, job security, and government-provided benefits. Teachers can advance professionally by applying for promotion to teacher/circuit supervisor-type roles over time.
Public school teaching provides many individuals with a stable and fulfilling career, particularly for those interested in educating young people.
2. Private School Teaching
Increasing Interest in Private Schools
While there are certainly fewer schools than in the past, private schools are growing. The need for certified teachers is becoming increasingly strong. While salaries for certified teachers may be competitive, class size tends to be smaller. Some private schools provide international curriculum options, allowing certified teachers to learn alternative ways of teaching and potentially use this knowledge to increase opportunities for professional development.
However, since there is great variability among private schools, it is recommended that each school be thoroughly evaluated prior to accepting a position.
3. Educational Administration
Leadership/Management Opportunities
Certified teachers wishing to advance beyond the classroom setting will find that, after gaining sufficient experience, further education/training and/or certification will allow them to pursue leadership/administrative roles such as the following:
• Headteacher/principal
• School administrator
• District education officer
In addition to leading their respective schools/staff members and overseeing daily operational aspects of their institution(s), administrative personnel ensure that academic standards are being met throughout their district. Administrative positions are best suited for certified teachers who wish to practice leadership in a way that impacts education broadly.
4. Teaching in Technical/Vocational Institutions
Skill-Based Education Opportunities
Technical/vocational education is beginning to gain recognition in Ghana. Many institutions providing technical and vocational education exist, including the Ghana TVET Service. Certified teachers with relevant technical or practical skills may seek positions as instructors at vocational schools, training centers, and technical institutes. Skills such as carpentry, electrical work, fashion design, and culinary arts have become increasingly popular as well.
Teachers who enjoy hands-on instruction/teaching and skills-based learning will find this type of teaching opportunity very attractive.
5. Private Tutoring & Extra Lessons
Independent and Flexible Teaching
As many certified teachers know, providing private tutoring lessons for individual students is a viable means of earning supplemental income and practicing independent teaching. Types of tutoring services provided include:
• Home tutoring
• Exam prep lessons
• Vacation lessons
Since the market exists for extra lessons/tutoring, the number of clients seeking private tutoring services continues to grow. The value lies in the fact that teachers can establish themselves as specialists based upon specific exam(s) or subject(s). With consistent effort and successful outcomes, the business potential becomes significant.
6. Educational Content Creation
Creating Online Materials/Writing Textbooks/Curriculum Designers
Digital education has opened the door for certified teachers to create instructional materials using writing and other forms of media. Certified teachers can become:
• Textbook authors
• Curriculum designers
• Online course developers
An example would be a certified teacher who creates video lessons and/or writes study guides. Once completed, the materials can be published online, where multiple users can access them.
This path is most suitable for certified teachers who enjoy researching and creating original content.
7. Corporate Training and Professional Development
Training Outside the School Environment
There are several businesses in Ghana that employ trainers to instruct employees on workplace skills such as communication, leadership, and customer service. Since certified teachers have demonstrated the ability to present information clearly and engage learners effectively, they are naturally equipped for corporate training opportunities.
Corporate training presents an opportunity for certified teachers to leave behind the traditional school environment and enter into corporate environments.
8. Advanced Degrees and Specializations
Increased Job Options
Obtaining advanced degrees will provide additional job opportunities. Examples of advanced degree fields that could benefit certified teachers include:
• Educational Psychology
• Guidance & Counseling
• Special Education
For example, if a certified teacher pursues a guidance & counseling degree, he/she can then begin working as a school counselor, assisting students in their academic pursuits and social/personal growth. Pursuing advanced degrees also opens up college/university teaching opportunities.
9. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)/Development Agencies
Positions Supporting Education Projects
Many non-profit organizations (NGOs) and development agencies provide educational assistance in Ghana. Frequently, NGOs and development agencies provide funding for educational programs in Ghana. In turn, they hire certified teachers to support their educational endeavors. A few examples of possible NGO positions include:
• Program Officer
• Field Coordinator
• Education Consultant
Depending on the program/project, a variety of responsibilities exist for certified teachers employed in this capacity. Responsibilities might include training teachers, creating educational programs, or implementing community-based literacy initiatives.
Insightful Observation
A certified teacher in Ghana is capable of transitioning between many types of teaching roles during his/her lifetime. An example would be a certified teacher who begins teaching in a public school, moves on to private tutoring, and finally transitions into developing educational content or assuming an administrative position.
Teachers who continue to learn and expand their skills, especially in technology and communication, will also likely be able to pursue other educational opportunities as well.
In conclusion, educators with a degree from an accredited teacher preparation program in Ghana are fortunate because they have many career options available beyond the traditional K-12 classroom setting. These educators can work at both public and private institutions; act as school administrators; provide vocational or technical training for students; work directly for corporations, providing employee training; and/or utilize online platforms to teach digitally.
Ultimately, the most ideal career path is dependent upon each educator’s interest, skill level, and long-term objectives. Educators who remain flexible with regard to the potential opportunity of continuous development may create a rewarding and stable career while continuing to serve education and society.
