The Ghana International School (GIS) recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its TIME Educators' Conference, an initiative aimed at strengthening teaching practices and improving learning outcomes. The conference, held on October 10, 2026, at the GIS Secondary School campus in Cantonments, Accra, brought together educators to share practical teaching methods and exchange ideas. The event was organized under the theme "10 Years of Impact: Transforming Education, One Teacher at a TIME."
The TIME initiative, which stands for Transform, Inspire, Motivate, and Educate, was founded in 2016 as an in-house program to give teachers an opportunity to learn from one another. The conference started with about 30 presenters from GIS and has since grown to attract over 1,000 participants and nearly 100 presenters, including educators from other parts of Ghana and abroad. This year's program featured two senior student presenters, showcasing the growing involvement of students in the conference.
Professor Jonathan Fletcher, the founding dean of the University of Ghana's School of Education and Leadership, delivered the keynote address at the conference. He highlighted significant improvements in teaching standards over the past decade, noting that at least 68% of teachers can now teach to the National Teachers' Standards, up from around 10% in 2017. Professor Fletcher credited the TIME conference with helping to spread improved teaching practices across the country.
Professor Fletcher also discussed the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education, describing it as a valuable tool for teaching and learning. However, he stressed the need for ethical use and academic integrity, emphasizing that educators must ensure learners understand work produced with AI rather than simply presenting it as their own. This is crucial in maintaining the authenticity and credibility of students' work.
Nadia O. Bruce-Müller, the Principal and Head of School at GIS, explained that the conference was created partly because not every teacher could travel abroad to attend professional development conferences. She emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for teachers, given the changing needs of learners and developments in education. The theme "Transforming Education, One Teacher at a TIME" reflects the belief that every teacher can take at least one practical lesson from the conference back to the classroom.
GIS also provides about 100 to 200 free registrations or sponsored places for teachers from public and private schools to participate in the annual conference. This initiative aims to promote inclusivity and accessibility, allowing teachers from various backgrounds to benefit from the conference. The 10th edition of the conference reaffirmed its focus on lifelong learning, collaboration, and the adoption of effective teaching methods to meet the changing demands of education.
The conference has become a significant event in Ghana's education sector, promoting collaboration and the sharing of best practices among educators. As the education landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the TIME conference play a crucial role in supporting teachers and improving learning outcomes. The event demonstrated the commitment of GIS and its partners to enhancing education in Ghana and beyond.
Key points
- The 10th TIME Educators' Conference was held on October 10, 2026, at the GIS Secondary School campus in Cantonments, Accra.
- The conference has grown significantly since its inception in 2016, attracting over 1,000 participants and nearly 100 presenters.
- Professor Jonathan Fletcher highlighted improvements in teaching standards, with at least 68% of teachers now able to teach to the National Teachers' Standards.
