Ministry of Education Launches National English Teacher Development Program
The Syrian Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the national ‘Athar’ teacher development program, has officially launched the first national training course for English language educators. The initiative, titled ‘Towards an Interactive and Effective Classroom,’ is designed to elevate the professional standards and pedagogical skills of teachers across the country, with the ultimate goal of improving educational outcomes for students.
During the inauguration ceremony held in Damascus, Minister of Education Mohammad Abdul Rahman Turko emphasized that the ministry is committed to systematically improving the status of teachers, focusing on both academic knowledge and practical classroom skills. Minister Turko noted that a core component of this effort is the creation of a comprehensive and supportive environment conducive to the effective teaching of the English language.
The ‘Athar’ program, which serves as the framework for this new training course, is structured into six distinct phases. These stages begin with a diagnostic assessment and evaluation process, transitioning into specialized training modules, and concluding with a framework for ongoing feedback and professional support. According to the ministry, this inaugural course is expected to produce a cohort of qualified trainers who will be responsible for cascading these improved teaching techniques to their peers across various provinces.
Badr Al-Muzayek, Director of the ‘Athar’ program, provided further insight into the rollout of the initiative, noting that the initial diagnostic phase was conducted comprehensively across all Syrian governorates. This data-driven approach allowed the ministry to transition into the training phase with a clear objective: to foster effective, measurable improvements in instructional methodologies.
At the heart of the initiative, Al-Muzayek stated, is a commitment to creating a tangible, positive impact on the learning experience for students. The program is built on the philosophy that the teacher serves as the essential starting point for educational reform, with the student being the primary beneficiary, and the ‘Athar’ program acting as the foundational vehicle for this transformation. As the program progresses, officials anticipate that the focus on interactive learning will help standardize and elevate the quality of English language education in schools nationwide. The launch marks a strategic effort by the educational sector to modernize classroom dynamics and ensure that teachers are equipped with the modern tools necessary for success in an evolving educational landscape.
