By Olayide Awosanya, Lagos
Last updated Jun 20, 2023
No fewer than 60 newly employed STEM teachers in Lagos State Education District VI have embarked on a three-day capacity building program aimed at honing their skills in the teaching profession.
Mrs Adeola Akinsulure, a civil servant and convener of the event, commended the participants for their commitment to the program, which she believes will help them unlearn and relearn. The program has been organized to assist STEM teachers in improving their skills and expertise in their respective fields.
Funding for the event has been provided by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs through IREX. Mrs Akinsulure revealed that she secured the grant after applying as an alumnus of the United States exchange program for the Global Teacher Grants. She expressed her delight in being selected as one of the 55 winners from 29 countries.
Highlighting the importance of education in national development, Mrs Akinsulure emphasized that this program aims to enhance the professional development of newly employed STEM teachers. It will equip them with practical tools, innovative teaching strategies, and necessary skills and knowledge required for teaching STEM subjects effectively. The program also seeks to provide a supportive network of fellow educators.
Furthermore, the workshop will expose participants to 21st-century skills and concepts essential for facilitating STEM lessons. They will be trained on innovative approaches to teach controversial topics in STEM. The training will also focus on utilizing technology and online resources to spark students’ interest in STEM innovations and inventions both locally and globally.
Led by local and international STEM volunteers who are experts in their fields, the three-day event will feature various sessions and hands-on activities. Participants will engage with one another and collaborate on developing a Science Class Improvement Plan (SCIP) based on the knowledge acquired during the training.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be evaluated, and the top three performers will be rewarded with cash gifts of #20,000, #15,000, and #10,000, respectively. Additionally, three participants with outstanding performance will receive cash gifts of #5,000 each.
Mrs Akinsulure reiterated her commitment to this admirable initiative by announcing the launch of a professional community called STEM Collaborators. This community will focus on creating mentorship opportunities, providing networking platforms for all participants, and hosting free online webinars to enhance skill development.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State chapter, Mr. Hassan Akintoye, urged the participants to foster collaboration rather than competition to excel in their careers. He acknowledged Mrs. Akinsulure’s impactful project and encouraged the teachers to use their newfound knowledge to positively impact the lives of others and become change agents in the education sector.
The event witnessed the presentation of awards to outstanding personalities in the Lagos State Education Sector, attracting dignitaries and retired teachers from various walks of life. The presence of individuals such as Mr. Austin Oduloye (the father of the convener), Mrs. Ayo Vhaugn from the Learning & Development Unit of Education District VI, Jide and Dare Olayemi from Project+ Potential, gender advocate and rights activist Mrs. Folake Kuti, Gbagba of NUT Ikeja Zone, and retired principal Mrs. Akande G.A added prestige to the occasion.
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