GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 11:10:56 AM

Teachers Are Not Professional Counselors: Stop Crossing the Line More on our Whatsapp channel here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1F5yOCnA7zkEF6DW1R Many teachers in Ghana think they are professional counselors just because they took an "Introduction to Guidance and Counseling" course in training college. That is like a butterfly thinking it is a bird just because it has wings. The reality is simple—you are not a Professional Counselor. You are a teacher, and your job is to teach, not to handle students’ personal problems as if you are a trained counselor. The objective of the introductory course is to expose you to cases that require counseling assistance, counseling principles and ethics, how to provide first aid as well as integrate the knowledge into lesson planning, delivery and assessment. A Typical Case of a Teacher Who Overstepped A discussion in our WhatsApp group yesterday exposed how dangerous it is when teachers try to act like counselors. A teacher in a Senior High School said a female student approach him for advice about her boyfriend cheating on her. Instead of consoling her and referring her to the school counselor, he took it upon himself to advise her through phone chat to stay in the relationship and solve the problem with the boyfriend. The next day, the girl’s elder brother found the chat and reported him to the headmaster, accusing him of encouraging the relationship. Now the teacher is in trouble, all because he didn’t know his limits. After asking some questions, I discovered that: 1. The teacher was not a trained or appointed counselor—The school had a professional counselor, but the teacher still took the case into his own hands. 2. The girl was not a minor—She was around 18 or 19, so this was not even a child protection issue. 3. The teacher’s advice got him into trouble—His words and actions were misinterpreted, and now he faces the consequences. I told the person who posted the issue that the teacher deserves any accusation and punishment coming his way. Why Do Schools Have Counselors? Schools have professional counselors for a reason. They are not there for decoration or to fill an office space. Counseling is a serious and sensitive profession that requires training, ethics, and accountability. You can easily land yourself in trouble if you don't take care. A professional counselor: 1. Does not give direct advice but helps students explore their options and make their own decisions. 2. Documents counseling sessions so that if any issue arises, there is proof of what was discussed. 3. Keeps conversations confidential and ensures that students understand the importance of privacy and keeps conversation confidential too where necessary. 4. Seeks consent from parents when necessary, especially in sensitive cases and when a minor is involved. What Should Teachers Do Instead? If a student approaches you with a personal problem, you must: 1. Provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) – Help the student calm down, listen without judgment, and show support or empathy. 2. Refer Them to the School Counselor – That is the right thing to do. If the school has no counselor, then at least direct them to someone trained in counseling. They know how to handle it better. 3. Know Your Limits – You are a teacher, not a counselor. Stick to your job. Even if you are professionally trained but not appointed, do what you are appointed to do and only act when the one to act is unavailable. You need protection to work peacefully. Why Must Teachers Stay in Their Lane? Teachers who think they can handle students’ personal issues like professional counselors are looking for trouble. Though some teachers are naturally born with counseling gifts and can do it even better than some professionally trained and licensed ones, for your own good, stay in your lane. Your words and actions can be misinterpreted – You might mean well, but people will hear what they want to hear. You can be accused of misconduct – If something goes wrong, you might lose your job. You have no protection – Unlike professional counselors, who are backed by the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) and regulated by the Ghana Psychological Council (GPC), a teacher who oversteps has nobody to defend them. Who is a Professional Counselor? In Ghana, you need a Master’s degree to be a professional counselor. If you only have a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling or Psychology, you are just a Counseling Assistant. If your degree is in a different field and your masters in counseling, you are not a professional counselor at all. You are just a para-practitioner who can provide basic support, but you should not be handling serious counseling cases. Some people in the WhatsApp group said I was too blunt. But let’s be honest—some people need to hear the truth in its raw form. If you are a teacher, stick to teaching. Stop crossing the line into counseling when you are not trained for it. You might think you are helping, but you are actually putting yourself in danger. If you have love for counseling, get the training. When a student comes to you with a problem, refer them to a professional counselor. If the school doesn’t have one, direct them to someone qualified. If you insist on playing counselor without the right training, don’t cry when it backfires. ✍ Jerry Akporhor || The First Class Counselor ||0247271426||

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 9:27:55 AM

CHOOSING YOUR ACADEMIC PATH More on our Whatsapp channel here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawxT6K0LKZLwCgPb034 I have had the opportunity to interact with many colleagues, especially teachers, and I realized that the majority of them do not fully understand the following academic abbreviations. To address this, I decided to use this opportunity to provide some education on the subject. Common Academic Abbreviations B.Ed – Bachelor of Education B.Sc – Bachelor of Science B.A – Bachelor of Arts BTech – Bachelor of Technology M.Ed – Master of Education M.Sc – Master of Science M.A – Master of Arts M.Tech – Master of Technology MBA – Master of Business Administration MPhil – Master of Philosophy (Advanced Research) PhD – Doctor of Philosophy There are various types of degrees worldwide, but to the best of my knowledge, the ones listed above are the most common in the Ghanaian academic setting. To keep the discussion focused, we will base our lecture on academia. Understanding the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Ideally, the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) is considered a professional degree in Ghana, particularly by the Ghana Education Service (GES). Any other degree that does not include education qualifies you as a non-professional teacher within GES. Academic Requirements To pursue a Bachelor’s Degree (First Degree), you must possess either a Senior High School (SHS) certificate or a Diploma certificate. To enroll in a Master’s Degree (Second Degree), you must have a First Degree. A Master’s Degree or a good First Degree is a basic requirement for pursuing a PhD. Master’s Degree Duration and Structure in Ghana The Master of Education (M.Ed) program in Ghana typically lasts one year in most universities. It consists of coursework only, without a research component. You might be made to take a course in introduction to research. This program can be pursued in three modes: distance learning, sandwich, or regular study. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is a regular two-year program that includes both coursework and research (thesis). One can pursue an M.Ed and later top up to an MPhil. In most cases, to pursue a PhD in Ghana, you need to have either an M.ED, MPhil or a good First Degree. Choosing the Right Academic Path If you aim to be in academia, it is prudent to ensure your degrees follow a vertical progression. For example, if your First Degree is in Mathematics, your Second Degree should also be in Mathematics or a closely related field. A mismatch in degree progression (often called "skirt and blouse") may create challenges in career advancement. The Value of a Master’s Degree in GES Did you know that obtaining a Master’s Degree as a Basic School teacher is an added advantage? Some of my colleagues say, “A Master’s Degree in GES is nothing; it is a waste of time and money.” However, this is a gross misconception. It is not true that a Master’s Degree in GES has no value. When competing for supervisory roles like Head of school, SISO, Head of Units and Directorship, you stand a higher chance. Have you ever wondered where the lecturers in our tertiary institutions come from? The majority were once basic school teachers who advanced through continuous education. So why can’t you? My Final Words Never relax if you have the desire, time and resources to pursue further studies. The reward for procrastination is regret. Remember, the world is full of choices, but the choices you make will determine your destiny. Thank you. Yours truly, Ibrahim Kassim Counseling Psychologist (0243760382)

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 6:53:27 PM

Hajia Katumi Natogmah Attah takes over as the Greater Accra Regional Director of GES. More on our WhatsApp channel here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1F5yOCnA7zkEF6DW1R

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 5:31:24 PM

*Why drink full-cup/sachet water before eating* All research have proven that drinking water before eating achieved the following 1. The water helps all body organs to work well during digestion. 2. The water occupies space leading to reduced consumption of calories (food) 3. People in the intervention groups always lose weight over any period compared to baseline group that do not drink water before eating 4. The water achieves two main goals: That is water is a necessary component for burning of fat/ losing weight and it also helps to reduce actual consumption of food (calories) Weekly/ daily Health-athon continues on NURSES DIARIES channel on WhatsApp here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBkGUxEKyZPV3oHaM0i The daily challenge 1. 20squats anytime in a day 2. Drink full-cup/ sachet water before any meals 3. Eat before 7pm daily

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 7:13:38 AM

February 2025 payslip is ready Visit https://www.gogpayslip.com to check... More on our Whatsapp channel here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawxT6K0LKZLwCgPb034

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 6:48:06 PM

*10 Lifestyle Choices That Could Lead to Stroke* https://infohealthgh.com/10-lifestyle-choices-that-could-lead-to-stroke/ More on NURSES DIARIES channel on WhatsApp here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBkGUxEKyZPV3oHaM0i

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/27/2025, 8:17:13 AM

Check the top right corner, you go see something... More on our Whatsapp channel here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb1F5yOCnA7zkEF6DW1R

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/27/2025, 7:21:41 AM

You are likely to eat after 7pm whenever you stay deep into the night... And when you sleep late, you will wake up late and/or sluggish, feel sleepy at work, inactive that affects your work output. So why not sleep early to enjoy the day actively without feeling sleepy at work. Our weekly/ daily challenge starts today.... Let's do it together on NURSES DIARIES channel on WhatsApp here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBkGUxEKyZPV3oHaM0i Weekly/ Daily challenge 1. Squat 20times twice a day 2. Drink full-cup/ sachet water before any meal 3. Eat before 7pm daily

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 7:56:29 AM

Anfoe circuit sports, watch out for Mafi-Wute basic school using professional footballers to train learners... https://youtu.be/k846q4usZaA?feature=shared More on TONGU NEWS TODAY channel on WhatsApp here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VayBoYTHAdNU1HC7KV3c

GES NEWS TODAY |Follow Here

2/26/2025, 7:00:08 AM

*Healthathon and "Ananse"* So do you get surprised why "ananse" or "ayea" catches your legs... Well, that's a sign your lower part is no longer working (exercising) like it should be... Which is the clearest sign your heart is no longer able to get blood to your lower part like it used to (circulation problems). The hear sends more blood to any body part that is being used (exercised) Solution 20squats anytime in a day. You can do the 20squats slowly even at work so that you don't sweat or get tired to need resting Let's continue the Health-athon on NURSES DIARIES channel on WhatsApp here https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaBkGUxEKyZPV3oHaM0i 1. 20squats twice anytime in a day 2. Drink full-cup/ sachet water just before any meal 3. Eat before 7pm daily