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The Liberia Standard Teacher Training College (LSTTC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), has successfully administered final exit exams to over 200 in-training teachers, marking a significant step toward their professional certification.
The public exams, conducted on the Bushrod Island over the weekend, were the culmination of a rigorous academic journey.
Speaking to reporters, Reverend Andrew S. Fayiah Sr., Founder and National Training Director of LSTTC, highlighted the importance of the exams as a measure of the teachers’ readiness to enter Liberia’s education sector.
“The Ministry of Education mandated these exit exams to assess the professional and pedagogical skills of our in-training teachers, ensuring they meet the standards required for graduation,” Rev. Fayiah explained. “Those who pass will graduate, but those who fall short will need to redo the exams next year.”
Reverend Fayiah expressed confidence in the preparedness of the in-training teachers, citing their extensive classroom assessments and the quality of instruction provided by master trainers.
“Our teachers have undergone rigorous professional training. I am optimistic they will perform exceptionally well,” he said. However, he cautioned them to uphold ethical standards in their future classrooms, reminding them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Rev. Fayiah also commended the Ministry of Education for its effective monitoring and evaluation throughout the training process, noting that this collaboration has strengthened the quality of teacher education in the country.
While the successful administration of the exams was celebrated, many in-training teachers raised concerns about the financial challenges they face. Pastor J.B. Walker Dennis, President of LSTTC Branch Two, lamented that some of his colleagues were unable to take the exams due to financial difficulties.
“I feel deeply saddened that some of my colleagues couldn’t make it to this stage because they lacked the financial means,” Pastor Dennis said. “This should draw the immediate attention of the national government to provide support to private teacher training institutions.”
Dennis emphasized the struggles faced by in-training teachers, including difficulties affording learning materials and paying tuition fees. “The government should consider stepping outside its focus on public institutions and extend assistance to private teacher training colleges like ours,” he added.
Despite these challenges, many students expressed gratitude for the professional and personal growth they experienced at LSTTC. Christian J. Doe, Vice President of the LSTTC Student Council Government, Branch One, credited the college with transforming her skills and confidence.
“I was not fluent or confident in public speaking when I joined, but courses like public speaking changed that for me,” Doe shared. “We even participated in live radio discussions in Monrovia, where we boldly articulated the issues affecting teacher education in Liberia.”
Doe praised the college for empowering students to face societal challenges with bravery and professionalism.
Reverend Fayiah used the occasion to applaud the resilience of in-training teachers who completed their program amid Liberia’s struggling economy. He emphasized the critical need for more government investment in building the professional capacity of teachers and addressing the financial barriers that hinder access to quality training.
“Our teachers are the backbone of Liberia’s future. We must invest in their development and provide the necessary resources to ensure they thrive,” Rev. Fayiah stated.
As the successful candidates await their graduation, the LSTTC’s leadership has called on stakeholders, including the government and development partners, to prioritize teacher education as a key component of national development.
“This is a shared responsibility,” Pastor Dennis concluded. “By supporting teacher training institutions, we are not just investing in individuals but in the future of our children and the nation as a whole.”
The event highlighted both the triumphs and challenges of Liberia’s education sector, showcasing the transformative power of professional training while underscoring the urgent need for systemic support to ensure no aspiring teacher is left behind.
