Top 7 Teachers Colleges In Jamaica (2024)

Top 7 Teachers Colleges In Jamaica

Teachers also known as Educators are persons who help students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

Teachers aren’t only in charge of delivering lessons in the classroom, imparting knowledge, managing the classroom but they also act as role models to their students.

As an educator bear in mind that many pupils/students look up to you as an idol, a parent, mentor just to name a few so you need to possess a positive attitude and be a good example to those looking up to you. 

7 Top Teachers Colleges In Jamaica

This is crucial, especially for teachers at the kindergarten and elementary levels as these kids/pupils learn through modelling.

Teachers are very important because, from them, all other professions commence. That is why we continue to celebrate Teachers’ Day. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness about Teachers’ College in Jamaica

#1 Church Teacher’s College (Mandeville, Jamaica)

Church Teachers’ College is one of the teachers’ Colleges in Jamaica.

Church Teachers’ college was established in September 1965 under the supervision of Mr Geralt Jones as the first principal. Church teachers’ college started with 6 lecturers and 75 handpicked students.

Church teachers’ college is committed to training men and women to be able of motivating those they teach; develop positive attitudes, values and morals to be effective leaders in the communities they serve and enhance sustainable development.

The Institute of Church Teachers’ College works in collaboration with Temple University, the University of Technology and the University of the West Indies.

Church Teachers’ college operates on three campuses: the main campus, collaborations and Brown town’s campus. It equally has a day shift and an evening shift.

The institute has six Departments namely: General Education and Professional Studies, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Languages and Literatures, Technology and Human Ecology, Early childhood, primary and Creative Arts.

Requirements

• Five Subjects including English Language and Mathematics at the CXC/CSEC General Proficiency Level, grade 1 or 2 (or 3 obtained since 1998), or at the GCE ‘O’ Level grade A, B or C.
• Subjects for the Early Childhood or Primary Education Programme should include a Physical Science and either a Social Science subject or an Art Subject at the CXC/CSEC General Proficiency Level, grade 1 or 2 (or 3 obtained since 1998), or at the GCE ‘O’ Level grade A, B or C.
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood-General Entry Requirements: Four Subjects including English Language and Mathematics at the CXC/CSEC General Proficiency Level, grade 1 or 2 (or 3 obtained since 1998), or at GCE ‘O’ Level grade A, B or C.
• Associate of Art in Music-General Entry Requirements: Five Subjects including English Language and Mathematics at the CXC/CSEC General Proficiency Level, grade 1 or 2 (or 3 obtained since 1998), or at GCE ‘O’ Level grade A, B or C. Music Theory grade 5 (ABRSM) or Trinity Guild Hall. 
• In addition, an audition and entrance examination must be completed. May also qualify by taking the FMLP Programme.

Programmes offer at Church Teacher’s College

Programmes Offered on Main Campus (Day College)

• These programmes are done Full-Time in the day.
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Early Childhood Education
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Primary Education
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Special Education

Programmes Offered on Main Campus (Evening College)

These programmes are done Full-Time in the evening 

• Associate of Science Degree for Early Childhood Teachers.
• Bachelor of Education with Advanced Standing (Diploma Upgrade/B.Ed Completion or B.E.A.S.P Programme) must possess a Teachers Diploma.
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Early Childhood Education.
• Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Secondary Education.

Programmes Offered on Off-Site Campus (Brown’s Town)

These programmes are done Full-Time on our Brown’s Town Campus.

• Associate of Science Degree for Early Childhood Teachers.
• Bachelor of Education with Advanced Standing (Diploma Upgrade/B. Ed Completion or B.E.A.S.P Programme) must possess a Teachers Diploma.
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Early Childhood Education.
• Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Secondary Education with a single option of Physical Education and Social Studies.

Collaborative Programmes (Main Campus)

These programmes are done Full-Time or Part-Time on our Main Campus.

• Master of Science in Mathematics Teaching (University of Technology, UTech)
• Master of Educational Leadership (Temple University)
• Doctor of Education in Educational Administration (Temple University)
• The Middle Leaders’ Training Programme (The National College for Educational Leadership, NCEL)
• Associate of Music Literacy and Performance (Edna Manley College)

Subject Options Currently Available

The below-listed subject options are only available to students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) in Secondary Education. 

Double Major Programmes

• English (Language and Literature)
• Science (Chemistry, Physics or Biology- choose any two)
• Human Ecology (Food & Nutrition, Clothing & Textiles, Home Management – Need a grade two [2] to qualify)
• Mathematics
• Business Education (Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts & 3 other)
• Geography
• Computer Science

Major/Minor Programmes

Students MUST pursue subjects in ONE of the following combinations

• Major: Religious Education
• Minor: History or Social Studies
• Major: Physical Education
• Minor: Science, Mathematics, Geography or Social Studies
• Major: Computer Science
• Minor: Mathematics, Business Education or Science
• Major: English
• Minor: Social Studies or History
• Major: Spanish
• Minor: English or Social Studies
• Major: Mathematics
• Minor: Science, Business Education or Computer Science
• Major: Geography
•  Minor: Science, Social Studies or History
• Major: Business Education
• Minor: Mathematics or Computer Science
• Major: Social Studies   
• Minor:​ English, Geography, Religious Education or Science

Evening Full-Time Programmes (Four (4) Year Bachelor in Education

Double Major Programmes

English (Double Major)

Major/Minor Programmes

• Major: Mathematics
• Minor: Business Education
• Major: Computer Science
• Minor: Business Education

FEES:

• Year one: $356,494
• Year two: $363,161
• Year three: $374,771
• Year four: $388,983

Accommodation: $90.000

 

Read Also: 12 Best Community Colleges in Jamaica 

#2. Mico University College (Kingston, Jamaica)

Mico University College is a tertiary education institution in Kingston, Jamaica. It isn’t left out when talking of teachers’ colleges in Jamaica.

Mico University College was founded in 1836, making it the oldest teacher training college in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the oldest in the world, rivalling the famed Battersea College in England, established in 1817.

The sole mission of this institute is to train teachers though they offer a variety of programmes across various disciplines.

It provides diverse opportunities for the achievement of higher education through flexible and comprehensive Bachelor's, Master's, Post Diploma and certificate programmes.

The University College offers undergraduate degree programmes through three faculties: the faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, the faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Science and Technology. Each faculty is managed by a dean.

Mico University has two schools: the school of continuing studies and the School of Education which offers Master’s programmes.

General Requirements

Option 1 - General Admission

Minimum of 5 CSEC/GCE subjects, (Mathematics & English Language compulsory). You also need Grade I or II passes in subjects specific to the respective programmes.

CAPE Exemptions

• Candidates who also have relevant passes in CAPE may be eligible for course exemptions depending on the desired course of study.

Please check with a program advisor to see if you qualify and get a head start on your study.

Option 2 - Equivalent Qualifications

• National Vocational Qualification of Jamaica (NVQJ) or Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ)

Accepted occupational areas and certification levels will depend on specific programme requirements.

• High School Diploma from Accredited American or Canadian institutions

These will be accepted as having the equivalent qualifications for entry to Year 1 of the Degree course, provided that the passes shown in the transcripts are at the level required for the programme that you desire to pursue.

Passes in the Secondary Education of the U.K., Associated Examining Board (A.E.B.), Royal Schools of Music or Trinity College certifications. These will be accepted as equivalent to CSEC General Proficiency.

Option 3 - Started a Teachers' College Diploma Programme

• Completed Year 1 of a Teachers' College Diploma programme with a 'B' average

You will be accepted as having satisfied matriculation requirements. You will also be eligible for possible exemption(s).

Option 4 - Possession of Associate Degrees

• Holder of an Associate Degree

You will be accepted with possible exemptions. It should be noted that for admission to a specialization, one is required to have subjects at CSEC Grades 1 or 2, and/or GCE Grades A or B in courses relevant to the specialization.

Specific Requirements

Primary or Early Childhood Degrees

Candidates wishing to pursue the Primary or Early Childhood Degree should possess the requirements stated above which should include a science subject such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Science or Human and Social Biology, and a Social Science subject such as History, Geography or Social Studies, in addition to a pass in Mathematics.

Special Education Degree

Applicants wishing to pursue the Special Education Degree should possess the general requirements above which should also include Mathematics and a Science subject. Only one business subject will be accepted.

Applicants who do not have a pass in Mathematics or a Science subject may be accepted but will be required to pursue Foundation Mathematics and a Science course to complete matriculation requirements by the end of Year 1.

Applicants wishing to pursue other degrees should possess, within the general requirement, passes in their specialist areas, i.e. subjects at CSEC General Proficiency Grades 1 or 2 or GCE 'O' level Grades A or B. This is to satisfy requirements specific to individual programmes.

A psychometric test will be administered to all applicants. The results of this test will assist in the selection of students, but will not necessarily exclude an applicant. In addition to this test, interviews are conducted as part of the selection process.

Faculty of Education

The faculty of Education operates under two departments: the Department of Physical education and the Department of Special education which both last for four years.

Programmes Offered

• B.Ed. Primary Education
• B.Ed. Early Childhood Education
• B.Ed. Special Education
• B.Ed. Physical Education

The Faculty of Humanities & Liberal Arts

This faculty operates in five departments: Department of Behavioural Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Department of Visual Arts, Department of Business Studies (Coming soon), Language, Literacy & Literature (Coming soon) and Department of Music (Coming soon).

Programmes Offered

• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Business
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in History & Culture
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Language & Literacy
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Language & Literature
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Library & Information Studies
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Music
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Social Studies
• B. Ed. Secondary with specialization in Visual Arts
• B. Sc. in Guidance & Counseling

The Faculty of Science & Technology

It operates in five departments: Department of Industrial Technology, Department of Computer Studies, Department of Mathematics Education, Department of Natural Sciences and Department of Human Ecology & Hospitality Services

Programmes Offered

• B.Ed. Secondary Science with specialization in Biology
• B.Ed. Secondary Science with specialization in Chemistry
• B.Ed. Secondary with specialization in Computer Science
• B.Ed. Secondary with specialization in Family & Consumer Science
• B.Ed. Secondary with specialization in Geography & Environmental Studies
• B.Ed. Secondary with specialization in Industrial Technology
• B.Ed. Secondary Science with specialization in Physics
• B.Ed. Secondary with specialization in Mathematics

School of continuing studies

Programmes Offered

Career Advancement Programme (CAP) & HEART Trust/NTA Programmes

Pre-University Programmes

• Pre-University Men’s Programme (PUMP)
• Pre-University Early Childhood Programme
• Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC)
• Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Education (CAPE)
• City & Guilds Certification

Associate Degree Programme(s)

Occupational Studies (Centre for Occupational Studies – COS):

• Meat, Poultry & Fish Fabrication
• Business Processes Outsourcing (BPO)
• Digital Animation

Short Programmes

• Professional Orientation into Teaching Certificate
• General Introduction to Special Education Certificate
• Professional Certificate in Tour Guiding
• Study Abroad Jamaican Cultural Heritage Immersion Programme
• Critical Thinking for Teachers
• Professional Enhancement Diploma for Specialized Workforce (e.g. Correctional Officers, etc.)

Short Courses and Workshops (scheduled at times convenient to participants)

• Comprehensive Reading
• Introduction to Geographical Information System (GIS)
• Spiritual and Moral Development
• Personal Development
• The Science & Art of Happiness
• Public Speaking/Voice and Speech
• Differentiated Instruction
• Therapy Interventions and Enhancement Skills for Special Needs Individuals
• Robotics
• Business Processes Outsourcing
• Accounting Software Packages
• Digital Animation

STEM/STEAM & PEP Methodologies

• Events Planning
• Industrial Technology
• Gender-Specific Instruction
• Information Technology Integration

Projects and Outreach Services

• Teacher Professional Empowerment
• Youth Empowerment
• Community Upliftment

Graduate School of Education

Currently, the School offers six graduate programmes and one post-graduate diploma programme as follows:

• Master of Arts in English (MAE)
• Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
• Executive Masters in Educational Management (EMEM)
• Master of Science in Counselling and Social Work
• Master of Science in Mathematics Education (MSME)
• Master of Education in Special Education
• Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching

#3 Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College (Granville, Jamaica)

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College formerly known as Granville Teachers’ College was established on September 29, 1975, is another teachers’ college in Jamaica. 

The institution was built under a joint venture of the Government of Jamaica and the World Bank and on its opening, admitted 150 students, 39 of whom were male. 

The institution aim at producing committed individuals empowered with the relevant knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and pedagogy to be effective in their various fields.

The institute offers Education programmes, Pre-College programmes and Postgraduate diplomas.

 It trains teachers, administrators and specialists in the treatment and care of persons, aged 3+ to 14 who are challenged in one or more of the following ways: Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired, Mentally Challenged or Learning Disabled. 

Programme options include Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Multiple to Severe Disabilities, Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

BACHELOR OF EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

• B. Ed. In Early Childhood Education (Full and Part-Time)
• B. Ed. In Primary Education (Full and Part-Time)
• B. Ed. In Special Education

Entry Requirements: Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English, a Social Science subject AND a Physical Science subject and one other at General Proficiency Levels, I, II and III (effective June 1998).

• B.Ed. In-School Counseling (Full and Part-Time)

Entry Requirements:

 Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies, Human and Social Biology or Food and Nutrition and one other at General Proficiency Levels, I, II and III (effective June 1998)

Secondary Education Programmes

B. Ed. In English Language and Literature

Entry Requirements:

• Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, a Social Science subject and one other at General Proficiency
• Applicants are expected to have both CXC/CSEC English Language and Literature in grades I or II.

·      B. Ed. In Spanish / English Language & Literature

Entry Requirements:

•  Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Spanish, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and one other at General Proficiency
•  Applicants are expected to have CXC/CSEC Spanish, English Language and English Literature in grades I or II.

·    B. Ed In Spanish / French (New)

Entry Requirements:

•  Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English Language and Spanish (General Proficiency)
• Applicants are expected to have CXC/CSEC Spanish and English at grade 1 or II.
• CSEC French is not a requirement. An introductory programme will be implemented in the first year of study.

B. Ed. In Biology and Mathematics, Biology (Double Major), Mathematics (Double Major)

Entry Requirements:

• Biology and Mathematics (major/minor) Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, English Language, Biology and two other subjects (General Proficiency). 
• Applicants to the Biology and Mathematics Programme must have Biology and Mathematics in either grade one or two in CSEC/GCE.
• Biology (Double Major) Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, Biology (both at grades I or II), English Language and two other subjects (General Proficiency) PLUS Biology at the CAPE (level one) at grades one, two, three or four.
• Mathematics (Double Major) Five (5) CXC/CSEC subjects including Mathematics, Biology (both at grades I or II), English Language and two other subjects (General Proficiency) PLUS Mathematics at the CAPE (level one) at grades one, two, three or four.

Duration: Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College offers several Bachelor of Education programmes on a full (4 years) and part-time (5 years) basis.

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA

The institute collaborates with the College of Agriculture, Science and Education to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. Persons who hold a first degree may apply to do the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching.

Requirements:

• Individuals should request their University transcripts to be sent to the College which in turn will submit the same to the Joint Board of Teacher Education for evaluation.
• Applicants MUST have a first degree in their area of specialization.

Duration: The duration of this programme is four Semesters on a part-time basis, the fourth semester being for Teaching Practice.

Associate Degree In Teaching

Associate Degree in teaching with a concentration in the skills areas

The Associate Degree in Teaching with Concentration in Skills Area provides an intermediate level academic qualification that bridges the gap between vocational qualifications and the Bachelor of Education.

The programme is intended to ensure that potential trainers in skills areas acquire the knowledge, skills and understanding to be sensitive and competent facilitators, capable of creating appropriate and effective learning environments that are culturally grounded, healthy, respectful, supportive, and appropriately challenging for young adult learners.

Matriculation Requirements

• Associate Degree with a concentration in a skill area with at least a 2.3 GPA
• Students with a GPA of 2.0 will be required to do qualifying courses targeting the skill areas in the associate degree where they did not perform at an acceptable level.
• Undergo a proficiency test recommended by an institution to assess the candidate’s learning potential which should include proficiency in Numeracy and English Language.

Advanced Degree

This programme may be pursued by persons who hold a Teaching Diploma but wish to upgrade to a bachelor’s degree.

Duration: It is offered on a part-time basis for over 18 months.

PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMME

The institute offers a Pre-College Programme for persons who wish to pursue or resist CSEC subjects in the following areas:

Pre-College Courses

Persons may use this programme to matriculate into the Bachelor of Education programme if they do not fully meet the requirements.

Students may do a minimum of two subjects, along with two free college courses.

• English Language
• English Literature
• Chemistry
• Social Studies
• Human & Social Biology
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Spanish

OTHER TRAINING AND SHORT COURSES

Short courses

The College offers the following short courses, in collaboration with the G C Foster College of Physical Education and Sport:

• Advanced Coaching & Programme Writing
• Massage Therapy
• Fitness Instructor 

DELE TRAINING CENTRE

SSTC offers a DELE training centre for persons who wish to pursue the Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language.

This is an internationally recognized Spanish Certification for persons who wish to become proficient in the language.

Various levels of training packages are offered to persons who wish to sit the examinations at intervals throughout the year

TEAM JAMAICA TRAINING

Team Jamaica Training is provided for internal as well as external persons who wish to work in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry.

 

Read Also: Top 7 Business Colleges In Jamaica

#4 Bethlehem Moravian College (Malvern, Jamaica)

Another Teachers’ college in Jamaica is the Bethlehem Moravian College which was established in 1861 with the idea of training just female teachers.

The institution started with three students and was administered by the Minister of the Congregation.
Bethlehem remained a female teacher training institution until 1980 when males were admitted for the first time. 

The name of the College was also changed from Bethlehem Teachers’ College to Bethlehem Moravian College to reflect this multidisciplinary status.

Bethlehem Moravian College is a multidisciplinary Institution preparing leaders who have developed academically, spiritually and professionally, enabling them to function effectively in their chosen fields and rendering service to the community.

Bethlehem Moravian College (Malvern, Jamaica)

General Requirements:

• General entry requirements are five subjects, including English Language and mathematics at the CSEC General Proficiency Level, Grade I, II or III (obtained since June 1998) or subjects at the GCE “O” Level, Grade A, B, or C. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.
• Students applying for the Early Childhood Education programme must have a science subject and a physical science subject (social studies, history or geography).
• Students applying for a Secondary Education programme must have obtained a Grade I or II at the CSEC General Proficiency level or a Grade A or B at GCE ‘O’ Level, in the areas in which they wish to specialize and at least three other subjects.
• Applicants with CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination) qualifications will have a distinct advantage in being accepted.

Programmes being offered:

Bachelor of Education in: 

• Early Childhood Teacher Education
• Primary Teacher Education
• Secondary Teacher Education
• Business Education (Accounts Major; Principles of Business Minor)
• Business and Computer (Accounts Major; Computer Studies Minor)
• Computer Studies Major
• Office Systems Administration
• English Language and Literature
• History Major; Social Studies Minor
• Bachelor of Education in Advanced Standing Programme (BEASP).

This programme offers opportunities for holders of a Diploma in Teacher Education to upgrade to a Degree in Teacher Education.

Applied Associate of Science Degrees 

• Hospitality and Tourism Management (ADHTM)
• Business Studies (ADBS)
• Criminal Justice (ADCJ)
• Management Information Systems (MIS)
• Computer Servicing and Repairs
• Early Childhood
• Social Work

Career Advancement Programme (CAP). 

This programme is under the auspices of the Ministry of Education (MOE)/Human Employment and Resource Training-National Training Agency (HEART/NTA).

It provides opportunities for high school leavers to develop technical skills in particular areas. Bethlehem offers programmes in Computer Repairs, Commis Chef and Tour Guide.

Continuing Education (Con. Ed)

This programme allows high school leavers to gain the requisite qualification for entry into tertiary education.

Short Courses

This programme offers opportunities for members of the College and the wider Malvern Community to complete technical skills for personal and professional development.

These courses are inclusive of: 

• Cake Baking and Decorating
• Advanced Cake Baking and Decorating
• Computer Repairs
• Soft Furnishing

#5 Moneague College (Moneague, Jamaica)

The fifth teachers’ college on the list in Jamaica is the Moneague College which is a Tertiary Multidisciplinary institution that is centrally located in a small rural village in Saint Ann, a parish famous for its salubrious climate and its subterranean lake.

The college has over the years evolved like a phoenix providing quality education and professional development to students both locally and internationally.

The institute operates an evening section. It has three faculties: Faculty of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Science and Technology.

Moneague College has two schools: School of Education and School of Business.

Programmes offered

Faculty of Education

• B.Ed. in Primary Education (JBTE)
• B.Ed. in Early Childhood Education (JBTE)
• B.Ed. in Secondary Education (JBTE)
• B.Ed. in Advanced Early Childhood
• B.Ed. in Advanced Primary (JBTE)
• B.Ed. in Advanced Secondary Business
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• B. Sc in Environmental Studies (CCCJ)
• B. Sc in Hospitality and Tourism Management (CCCJ)
• B. Sc in Social Work (LOCAL)
• B. Sc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• B. Sc in Business Studies (CCCJ)
• B. Sc in Computer Science (UTECH)
• Associate in Business Studies (CCCJ)
• Associate in Computer Servicing & Electronics (CCCJ)
• Associate in COS Business Process Outsourcing (LOCAL)
• Associate in COS Restaurant Operation (LOCAL)
• Associate in Criminal Justice (CCCJ)
• Associate in Environmental Studies (CCCJ)

Faculty of Science and Technology

• School of Technology
• School of Natural and Applied Sciences
• Department of Mathematics

Certificate and Short Courses

• Cake Baking and Decorating
• Information Technology (IT) Essentials
• CISCO Networking
• Spanish For Beginners

Duration: 6 Months to 1 Year

A suite of New Programmes

• Bachelor of Engineering In Industrial Systems (Evenings and Weekends)
• Associates of Applied Science
• Industrial Systems Operations and Maintenance
• Bachelors of Security Management and Administration
• CCCJ: Bachelors of Applied Science In Agri-Business
• TCJ: Bachelors of Secondary Education (Mathematics)

#6 Shortwood Teachers’ college (Kingston, Jamaica)

Shortwood Teachers’ College was founded in 1885 as part of the package of widespread social, economic and political reforms spearheaded by Sir John Peter Grant who was appointed Governor of Jamaica after 1865.

 From the origin, Shortwood Teachers’ college was a female training college with Miss Amy Johnson as its Principal and Miss M. C. Randall as her assistant but in August 2001, male students were accepted.

The institute from origin started with 18 students. Shortwood Teachers’ College is committed to the preparation of teachers of the highest quality. 

The institution throughout the years offered programmes which prepare students to teach at the Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary level education but in August 2000 the Primary programme was discontinued. Shortwood is the only teachers’ college that trains teachers of French and Spanish

Shortwood Teachers’ college also offers practical subjects: Agriculture Science, Domestic Training, Gardening, Cookery and Laundry as well as buildings. All students take classes in Information Technology not leaving out the access to free internet.

The College has gone beyond offering a three-year diploma in teaching. The College, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, and with the support of the Ministry of Education Youth and Culture now offers a Bachelor’s degree programme in Early Childhood Education.

August 2000 saw the start of a Master’s degree programme in Early Childhood Education, offered jointly by the College and the University of South Florida. The College maintains a high standard of academic performance and discipline.

FACULTIES & DEPARTMENTS

• Aesthetics (Visual Arts, Music and Physical Education)
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Human Ecology
• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages
• Science and Environmental Studies
• Geography, History & Social Studies

Programmes

Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education (For untrained teachers and practitioners)

Entry Requirements

Candidates should possess:

• 3 CSEC subjects, including English A
• Applicants may use NCTVET Level II qualifications as one of the four subjects required for matriculation

                                                  OR

Candidates for mature entry should:

• Be over the age of thirty years
• have at least five years of teaching experience
• have English A in CSEC, and NCTVET Level II qualifications

Duration: 2 years (Full-time) 3 years (Part-time)

Advanced Credit Programme Secondary (Part-time)

This programme is for individuals who hold a diploma in teaching and wish to upgrade to a Bachelor’s degree. 

The Advanced Credit Program Early Childhood Education/Secondary are part-time programmes but some students access on a full-time basis.

Fields

• Early Childhood Education
• Secondary Education

Options – Secondary Education:

• Geography/ History/Social Studies
• Human Ecology (formerly Home Economics)
• Language Arts (English Language/Literature)
• Mathematics Education
• Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
• Science and Environmental Education

Duration: Two (2) Years Full-Time or Three (3) Years Part-Time

Undergraduate programmes

It is divided into two:

Bachelor of Education in Teaching (Four Years full-time)

• There are three (3) levels of teacher preparation:
• Early Childhood Education
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education

Options:

• Geography/ History/Social Studies
• Human Ecology (formerly Home Economics)
• Language Arts (English Language/Literature/Literacy)
• Mathematics Education
• Modern Languages (French and Spanish)
• Science and Environmental Education

General Entry Requirements

General entry requirements are five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics at the CSEC General Proficiency Level, Grade 1, 11 or 111 (obtained since June 1998) or subjects at the GCE ‘O’ Level, Grade A, B, or C. Equivalent qualifications are accepted.

Students applying for the Early Childhood Education programme must have:

• A science subject
• A physical science subject (Religious Education, Social Studies, History or Geography)
• Visual Arts

Students applying for a Secondary Education programme must have obtained:

• A Grade I or II at the CSEC General Proficiency level or a Grade A or B at GCE, in the areas in which they wish to specialize and at least three other subjects.
• Applicants with CAPE qualifications will have a distinct advantage in being accepted.

Primary Education

Students of this specialization will be exposed to all areas of the primary curriculum. They are required in the second year to select an area of focus from the following Exploratory Core Specialization:

• Mathematics and Science
• Language Arts and Spanish
• Language Arts and Social Studies

The Specialist Teacher Model of this programme is being implemented out of the need to improve the teaching and learning experiences of our Primary level students. 

Specialist teaching at the primary level involves teachers teaching one or two areas of the curriculum.

Advanced Placement

Students with tertiary level training may be granted exemptions where applicable.

Bachelor of Education in Teaching – Secondary (Mathematics – Part-time)

General Entry Requirements

Applicants must have obtained a Grade I or II pass in mathematics and at least four (4) other subjects, including the English Language at grades I, II or III at the CSEC General Proficiency level or five subjects a Grade A or B at GCE O’ level.

Duration of Programme: 5 Years Part-time

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (In collaboration with the University of South Florida, USA)

Admission Criteria

• Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following areas:
• Early Childhood Education
• Primary Education
• Child Development, or
• Any other related area
• Shall have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree, that is, 1^st Class Honours or Upper Second-Class Honours
• Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Only If You Do Not Have First Class Or Upper Second Class Honours shall have a total verbal plus quantitative GRE General Test score of 1000 or higher.

Post Graduate Diploma (Part-time)

Entry Requirements

This programme is for individuals who hold a Bachelor’s Degree and wish to access professional/education courses (except Social Studies and Early Childhood Education)

#7.  St. Joseph teachers’ College

St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College is a Catholic institution founded in 1897 that has been contributing to national development through teacher training for over 119 years. 

Its early beginnings are grounded in Christian values based on Franciscan tradition through the life and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.

St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College started as a female training college and the first male student was enrolled in 1956.

During the 1950s and 1960s, a three-year programme was offered. In the 1970s there was the introduction of the Internship Programme – two years intra-mural, and one year external.

This internship programme was later discontinued. In 1981 a new Three-Year Diploma Programme was introduced together with a preliminary year.

In 1986 the Post Certificate Programme was introduced to accommodate those graduates who wished to upgrade their certificates to Diploma Status.

St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College has five Faculties: Aesthetic Studies, Education, Humanities, Language Arts and Natural sciences.

St. Joseph teachers’ College

Minimum entry Requirements

 CSEC/GCE/SSC

• English Language 
• Mathematics
• Social Science
• Natural Science and any other academic subject
• CSEC General - Grades 1, 2 and 3
• GCE - Grades A, B or C
• SSC - Grades 4 and 5
• Grades 1 and 2  in Mathematics is acceptable for the B.Ed. Primary Education programme

Grades 1, 2 and 3 in Mathematics are accepted for the B.Ed. 

Early Childhood Education Programme Candidates seeking entry into the Early Childhood programme may also use the NCTVET level II qualification in Early Childhood as one of the 5 subjects    required for matriculation

Subjects must include the following:

• English Language
• Mathematics
• A science subject (Human and Social Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science, Physics, Food and Nutrition, or any other science subject in this category)
• A social science subject (Social Studies, History, Religious Studies, Geography, English Literature, Spanish, French or any other social science subject)

Mature candidates:

• 30 years and older
• 5 years of teaching experience at the Early Childhood level
• CXC English Language and one other academic subject
• Practical Business Subjects Are Not Accepted

Programmes

Secondary Degree programmes

• Bachelor of Education with a major in Mathematics
• Bachelor of Education with a major in Biology 
• Bachelor of Education with a major in Physics 
• Bachelor of Education with a major in Chemistry
• Associate Degree in Business Administration
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

The Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is for individuals who are already working in the early childhood field and need to be certified.

School leavers with CSEC/CXC qualifications who would like to work with young children as a Teaching Assistant

Associate of Arts Degree in Performing Arts

B.Ed. in Primary Education

The B. Ed. in Primary Programme prepares persons to become teachers at the Primary level of the education system. 

This programme prepares an individual to teach students from Grade 3 to 6. The Primary Programme exposes students to content and methodology to teach from Grade 1 to 6.

B.Ed. with Advanced Standing for Primary Education

The B. Ed. in Primary with Advanced Standing Programme is for individuals who hold a Diploma in Education and wish to upgrade to a bachelor’s degree in Primary Education.

Professional Development Courses

These Professional Development Courses are 10-week courses that are designed for training, in-service teachers who wish to strengthen their content and methodology regarding their practice in the classroom.

Short Courses:

• Mathematics - Learning to Teach Mathematics for Conceptual Understanding (Parts 1 and 2)
• Language Arts - Getting Reading Right
• Information Technology - Advanced Microsoft Excel - Data Analysis Techniques
• Education - Teaching Boys and Girls to Learn

Concluding Remark

As I earlier mentioned, teaching is the only profession that all other professions commence. Teachers need to possess good morals and a positive attitude as many look up to them as role models.

This article is to bring to your awareness Teachers’ colleges in Jamaica and their various fields of specialization as shown above.

Which other teachers’ college in Jamaica do you know that hasn’t been mentioned in the article? Please feel free to comment in the comment section.