Dr. Mahafzah explained that the Ministry of Education had approved the general framework for teacher professional development policies, addressing policies on teacher recruitment, pre-service preparation, ongoing professional development, and career progression. He noted that this framework includes pre-service training for new teachers, in-service professional development, and the development of supervisory roles in education, with supportive educational supervision replacing traditional roles to provide technical support to teachers and school principals.
Furthermore, the ministry has implemented the school and directorate development program to enhance institutional professional development and issued a professional licensing system for teachers, along with evaluations and promotions based on performance and a clear evaluation policy.
Dr. Mahafzah stressed the importance of training in improving efficiency and achieving educational equity by preparing qualified, committed, and competent teachers who use high-quality teaching methods. He noted that skilled teachers have a significant positive impact on transferring the best skills and knowledge to students.
In discussing teacher training in the 21st century, Dr. Mahafzah pointed out the need for teachers to be trained in the latest teaching technologies to comprehensively improve the education system. He emphasized that preparing students for the future cannot be achieved through traditional teaching methods but must include workshops, training courses, seminars, and educational programs aimed at enhancing teaching skills and improving classroom performance.
He also highlighted the importance of training teachers to use modern technological tools and applications to keep pace with digital education developments, develop assessment skills, and effectively manage classrooms.
The President of the University of Jordan, Dr. Nazir Obaidat, stated that the university recognizes that teachers are one of the fundamental pillars in shaping students and their capabilities. Therefore, teachers must possess the necessary skills and abilities to build a generation capable of advancing the future of education in Jordan.
Dr. Obaidat added that the university embraces a philosophy of continuous change, believing that well-thought-out change is the foundation of development. He pointed out that recent geopolitical changes emphasize the need to prepare for future changes, explaining that memorization is no longer the true measure of intelligence and that education must focus on discovering students' creative skills and preparing them for future requirements.
He continued by noting that the University of Jordan has adopted a new strategy in university education, which includes introducing both English and Arabic languages into its curricula, in addition to teaching digital and soft skills in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy and related institutions to keep up with technological advances. The university has also launched new training programs to enhance students' ability to face labor market challenges and is adopting new programs for students' career preparation.
Dr. Mohammad Sayel Alzyoud, in his speech, emphasized that this initiative is part of the University of Jordan's ongoing efforts to highlight the role of education in building and empowering Jordanians. He underscored the importance of preparing and qualifying teachers to face the challenges of the modern era. He also explained that the seminar focuses on the main aspects of teacher development, contributing to enhancing their performance and preparing them to lead generations toward excellence and innovation in the face of rapid changes.
Dr. Alzyoud praised the ongoing royal support for the education sector, pointing out the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II in improving the conditions of teachers and qualifying them for the desired renaissance.
Dr. Alzyoud also highlighted the University of Jordan's distinction in being ranked among the top 400 universities globally according to QS rankings and in 9th place regionally. He mentioned the prestigious position of the School of Educational Sciences, which ranked 258th globally and 401st in the Shanghai Ranking. These achievements, he noted, are a result of the university's commitment to continually reviewing curricula and developing academic and training programs, alongside enhancing the use of modern technology and sustainable professional development.
Dr. Omar Khattab, Director of the Higher Diploma Program for Teacher Preparation, presented a report on the program's major achievements, commending the university's provision of trained competencies and classrooms equipped with the latest educational tools. He explained that the program combines theoretical courses with intensive practical training to prepare qualified teachers for modern educational challenges.
He also mentioned the program's outstanding steps, including graduating 3,000 teachers by the 2024/2025 academic year, establishing an advisory council for the program, expanding regionally, organizing partnership forums with educational directorates and partner schools, issuing more than 12,000 electronic certificates to students, and implementing a global quality system to ensure sustainable excellence.
Dr. Alzyoud concluded the seminar by reaffirming that building human capital is the greatest investment for the nation and that education and teachers are fundamental to achieving the desired renaissance. He called for collective efforts to work in a spirit of teamwork to achieve a vision that makes Jordanian education a model to be followed both regionally and globally.