Statement of Need:
The Church Education System (CES) operates nineteen elementary or secondary schools in the South Pacific. These schools serve about six thousand students. The preparation of teachers in these schools is highly variable. Though some are well-trained, about 50% teach without bachelor's degrees (This figure varies greatly between the countries) and some of those with degrees lack formal training in teacher education. Also, many of these teachers are in need of instructional support in speaking, writing, and reading English. Moreover, there is a crucial need for professional development and appropriate incentives that would advance the skills and knowledge of these teachers.
In the past, the CES sent teachers and administrative personnel to Brigham Young University at Hawaii or Brigham Young University at Provo for additional preparation. This approach is very expensive, retention is extremely poor, and its effects are limited given the few who can participate.
CES has determined that there is a crucial need for teacher education programs that is specifically tailored to the needs of teachers in these CES schools. Such programs would provide teachers and administrators with the dispositions, skills, and knowledge needed to be more effective teachers, not only in the area of English proficiency, but also in their instructional presentation skills as teachers. The ultimate beneficiaries of these programs are the children and youth in the CES schools.
