Learn about teacher education and training in Ghana, including B.Ed programmes, Colleges of Education, STS, teacher standards, admission and careers.
By Ferdinand Ellis | EducateGhana.com
Last Updated: August 2026
Article Information Box
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Article Type | Evergreen Education Pillar Guide |
| Category | Learn |
| Hub | Teacher Education & Training |
| Cluster | Teacher Education in Ghana |
| Topic | Teacher Education and Training in Ghana |
| Coverage | Initial Teacher Education and Teacher Professional Development |
| Major Institutions | Colleges of Education, Universities, GTEC, NTC and GES |
| Main Qualification | Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) |
| Regulatory Authority | Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) |
| Published By | EducateGhana.com |
| Author | Ferdinand Ellis |
| Last Updated | August 2026 |
Fact Check & Editorial Review
| Editorial Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Fact Checked | ✔ Verified against GTEC and official teacher education sources |
| Reviewed By | EducateGhana Editorial Team |
| Last Reviewed | August 2026 |
Introduction
Teacher education is a central component of Ghana’s education system because the quality of teachers influences what learners experience in classrooms, how curriculum reforms are implemented and how effectively schools respond to changing educational needs.
Ghana has undergone a major transformation in teacher preparation over the past decade. The former three-year Diploma in Basic Education pathway was replaced by a four-year Bachelor of Education programme for initial teacher education. The reform was developed around the National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework and the National Teachers’ Standards, with stronger emphasis on professional practice and classroom competence.
The reform initially involved 46 public Colleges of Education working through affiliation arrangements with five public universities. GTEC’s current institutional database now lists 49 active public Colleges of Education, reflecting the present institutional landscape.
Teacher education has also expanded beyond initial preparation. Current reforms include new B.Ed. programmes for prospective Senior High School teachers, with GTEC approving 128 of 140 newly submitted programmes in December 2024. Six public universities were involved in developing these programmes.
This guide explains how teacher education and training work in Ghana, the institutions involved, B.Ed. programmes, school-based professional practice, teacher standards, admission pathways, professional development and the major issues shaping the future of the profession.
Key Takeaways
- Ghana’s teacher education system has moved from diploma-based preparation to degree-level initial teacher education.
- The four-year B.Ed. became the main qualification for initial teacher preparation.
- Public Colleges of Education remain important institutions for preparing teachers.
- GTEC currently lists 49 public Colleges of Education.
- Teacher preparation combines academic study, professional education and school-based practice.
- The National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework and National Teachers’ Standards provide important foundations for teacher preparation.
- Teacher education is increasingly extending to preparation for secondary education.
- Continuing professional development remains important after initial teacher preparation.
➡ Related: Bachelor of Education Programmes in Ghana 2026: Courses, Requirements & Colleges
➡ Related: 49 Colleges of Education in Ghana 2026: Full List, Locations, Programmes & Admission Guide
What Is Teacher Education?
Teacher education refers to the systematic preparation and professional development of people who teach or intend to teach.
It includes the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and professional experiences that teachers need to perform their work effectively.
Teacher education is broader than learning how to deliver lessons. A professionally prepared teacher is expected to understand learners, curriculum, assessment, classroom management, subject content, professional ethics and the social context in which education takes place.
In Ghana, teacher education therefore includes both initial teacher education, which prepares people before they enter the profession, and continuing professional development, which supports teachers after they have entered professional practice.
The system involves several institutions and agencies, including GTEC, the National Teaching Council, the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, universities and Colleges of Education.
➡ Related: National Teachers’ Standards in Ghana: Complete Guide
➡ Related: Supported Teaching in School (STS) in Ghana: Complete Guide
Evolution of Teacher Education in Ghana
Teacher preparation in Ghana has developed through several stages.
Historically, teacher training was provided through certificate and diploma routes before degree-level preparation became the dominant pathway for initial teacher education.
One of the most important recent reforms was the introduction of the four-year B.Ed. programme. T-TEL reports that the new programme was introduced in the public Colleges of Education from 2018 and was designed to align teacher preparation with the National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework and National Teachers’ Standards.
The reform also sought to strengthen practical preparation. Instead of treating school experience as an isolated component, the new approach placed greater emphasis on connecting coursework with classroom practice.
The first B.Ed. cohort from the public Colleges of Education graduated in 2022. T-TEL reported that these graduates were prepared against the National Teachers’ Standards and the standards-based curriculum implemented nationally.
Teacher education continues to evolve as Ghana responds to changes in basic and secondary education, technology, inclusion, assessment and curriculum.
➡ Related: History of Teacher Education in Ghana: Major Reforms and Milestones
➡ Related: Bachelor of Education in Ghana: From Diploma Training to Degree Education
Related: Bachelor of Education Programmes in Ghana 2026: Courses, Requirements & Colleges
Bachelor of Education in Ghana
The Bachelor of Education is now a major qualification within Ghana’s initial teacher education system.
The original reform introduced a four-year B.Ed. for student teachers in Colleges of Education. The programme was designed to combine professional education, subject knowledge and practical teaching experience.
The National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework established mandatory requirements for B.Ed. programmes in initial teacher education. It also provided for specialisation according to teaching levels, including Early Grade, Upper Primary and JHS education.
The B.Ed. model has since expanded. T-TEL’s 2024/2025 report indicates that six public universities worked with GTEC and the National Teaching Council to develop new B.Ed. curricula connected to the new Senior High School curriculum. GTEC subsequently accredited 128 of the 140 submitted programmes.
The expansion means that prospective teachers now encounter a broader range of degree-level pathways than existed under the former diploma system.
➡ Related: Bachelor of Education Programmes in Ghana 2026
➡ Related: B.Ed. Admission Requirements in Ghana: Complete Guide
Colleges of Education in Ghana
Colleges of Education are central to Ghana’s initial teacher education system.
GTEC’s current institutional database lists 49 active public Colleges of Education. These institutions are distributed across Ghana and form an important part of the country’s teacher preparation infrastructure.
The colleges include institutions established by government, churches and other educational bodies that operate within the public College of Education system.
The current list should be distinguished from historical lists of 46 Colleges of Education. The number increased as the national tertiary institutional landscape changed, making current GTEC verification important when publishing or using institutional data.
Students considering admission should verify both the institution’s accreditation status and the programmes currently approved for that institution.
➡ Related: Complete List of Ghana’s 49 Colleges of Education by Region
➡ Related: Accredited Colleges of Education in Ghana: Public and Private Institutions
Universities and College of Education Affiliation
The transformation of Colleges of Education into degree-level teacher education institutions involved affiliation with public universities.
The original reform involved five public universities: the University of Cape Coast, University of Education, Winneba, University of Ghana, University for Development Studies and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
The affiliated university arrangement was intended to provide academic oversight and support for the B.Ed. programme while Colleges of Education continued to function as important institutions for teacher preparation.
T-TEL documentation identifies university responsibilities that include supporting implementation of the B.Ed. programme and professional development of tutors.
The current teacher education landscape has expanded further, with AAMUSTED also involved in the development and delivery of newer B.Ed. programmes for prospective secondary teachers.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between historical affiliation arrangements and current programme-specific arrangements.
➡ Related: Universities Affiliated to Ghana’s Colleges of Education
➡ Related: 49 Colleges of Education in Ghana: Locations and University Affiliations
National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework
The National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF) provides an important foundation for Ghana’s teacher education reforms.
The framework established requirements that B.Ed. programmes in initial teacher education were expected to meet for accreditation.
The NTECF also introduced a stronger focus on specialisation according to the stage of education at which teachers would work. These included Early Grade, Upper Primary and JHS levels.
The framework is important because it connects teacher preparation with the actual work teachers are expected to perform in schools.
It also supports a move away from teacher preparation based mainly on theoretical coursework towards preparation that integrates professional knowledge, subject knowledge and practice.
➡ Related: National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF) Explained
➡ Related: Ghana’s Teacher Education Curriculum Reform: What Changed?
National Teachers’ Standards
The National Teachers’ Standards provide a professional reference point for teacher preparation and practice.
The standards help define what teachers should know, understand and be able to do as professionals.
The B.Ed. reform was designed to prepare student teachers to meet these standards. T-TEL describes the B.Ed. as a practice-oriented degree aligned with the NTECF and National Teachers’ Standards.
The standards therefore have significance beyond the College of Education classroom. They provide a basis for thinking about professional competence in actual school settings.
Teacher preparation programmes are more meaningful when their coursework, assessment and practical experiences are connected to these professional expectations.
➡ Related: National Teachers’ Standards: What Every Teacher Should Know
➡ Related: Teacher Professional Standards and Licensing in Ghana
Supported Teaching in School
Supported Teaching in School, commonly known as STS, is an important practical component of Ghana’s teacher education system.
STS provides student teachers with opportunities to learn within actual school environments while receiving guidance and support.
The purpose is to help student teachers connect professional knowledge with classroom practice.
During school-based experience, student teachers may develop competence in:
- Lesson planning
- Teaching and learning
- Classroom management
- Assessment
- Learner engagement
- Inclusive teaching
- Professional conduct
- Reflection on teaching
The importance of school-based practice is particularly significant because teaching competence cannot be developed fully through classroom lectures alone.
Recent T-TEL research continues to examine the role of STS in teacher preparation, including the experiences and outcomes of student teachers after completing the programme.
➡ Related: Supported Teaching in School (STS): Meaning, Structure and Importance
➡ Related: STS in Colleges of Education: Complete Guide for Student Teachers
Teacher Education and Practical Teaching Experience
Practical teaching experience allows student teachers to encounter the realities of classroom work.
A student teacher may understand lesson planning theoretically but still require guided experience to manage time, respond to learner differences, assess understanding and adapt instruction.
Mentoring is therefore an important part of professional learning.
Effective teacher education requires collaboration between Colleges of Education, universities, schools, tutors and mentor teachers.
This relationship creates opportunities for student teachers to observe experienced teachers, practise teaching, receive feedback and reflect on their own professional development.
The quality of these experiences can influence how well beginning teachers make the transition from student teacher to independent practitioner.
➡ Related: Teacher Mentoring in Ghana: Complete Guide
➡ Related: Teaching Practice in Ghanaian Teacher Education
Related: Teacher Professional Development in Ghana: Training, Career Growth and Opportunities
Admission Requirements for Teacher Education
Admission requirements vary according to the institution, programme and qualification held by the applicant.
Applicants seeking admission to Colleges of Education should consult the current official admission requirements rather than relying on old admission guides.
WASSCE applicants are normally assessed using their results in the required core and elective subjects. Programme-specific requirements may also apply.
Applicants with TVET, SSSCE, GCE, diploma or other recognised qualifications may have alternative entry routes where approved.
GTEC also advises prospective students to verify the accreditation status of institutions and programmes before enrolling.
➡ Related: College of Education Admission Requirements in Ghana 2026
➡ Related: How to Apply to a College of Education in Ghana
Teacher Education and Professional Licensing
Teacher education and professional regulation are related but distinct aspects of the education system.
Completing an approved teacher education programme provides the academic and professional preparation required for entry into the teaching profession. Professional regulation involves the standards and requirements established by the appropriate regulatory institutions.
The National Teaching Council has an important role in teacher professionalism and professional standards.
Students and graduates should therefore distinguish between:
- Academic qualification
- Teacher professional preparation
- Professional registration or licensing
- Employment requirements
The exact requirements applicable to graduates can change as national policy develops.
➡ Related: Teacher Licensing in Ghana: Requirements and Process
➡ Related: National Teaching Council: Teacher Professional Standards in Ghana
Continuing Professional Development for Teachers
Teacher education does not end when a student graduates.
Teachers work in changing environments and must continue to develop their knowledge and professional skills.
Professional development can involve:
- Workshops
- Professional learning communities
- Short courses
- In-service training
- Mentoring
- Action research
- Peer learning
- Digital learning
T-TEL’s work on professional development in Colleges of Education demonstrates the importance of continuing support for teacher educators and tutors implementing the B.Ed. curriculum.
For practising teachers, continuing professional development is particularly important when curriculum, assessment methods or educational technologies change.
➡ Related: Teacher Professional Development in Ghana: Complete Guide
➡ Related: CPD for Teachers in Ghana: Courses, Points and Requirements
Teacher Education for Senior High School Teachers
Teacher education in Ghana is expanding beyond the traditional focus on basic education.
The reform of Senior High School education has created demand for teacher preparation programmes aligned with the new SHS curriculum.
T-TEL reported that six public universities worked with GTEC and NTC to develop new B.Ed. curricula for prospective Senior High School teachers. Of 140 programmes submitted, 128 were accredited by GTEC in December 2024.
Three universities began implementing their newly accredited programmes in the 2024/2025 academic year, while the remaining three were expected to launch their new programmes in the 2025/2026 academic year.
This development represents an important expansion of Ghana’s teacher preparation system.
➡ Related: B.Ed. Programmes for Senior High School Teachers in Ghana
➡ Related: SHS Teacher Training in Ghana: Courses and Career Pathways
Teacher Education, Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Technology is changing the way teachers prepare, teach, assess and communicate.
Teacher education institutions therefore need to prepare future teachers to use digital tools appropriately.
This includes developing competence in:
- Digital literacy
- Educational technology
- Online learning
- Digital assessment
- Information evaluation
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence
- Digital classroom management
Technology should support sound pedagogy rather than replace professional judgement.
For teacher educators, the challenge is to ensure that student teachers understand both the opportunities and limitations of emerging technologies.
➡ Related: AI in Education in Ghana: Opportunities and Challenges
➡ Related: Digital Education and Teacher Training in Ghana
Challenges Facing Teacher Education in Ghana
Teacher education continues to face several challenges.
These include differences in institutional resources, infrastructure, access to technology, mentoring capacity and the availability of suitable school placements.
Teacher educators also need continuous professional development to remain current with curriculum changes and emerging teaching approaches.
Another challenge is maintaining a strong connection between what student teachers study and what they encounter in schools.
As Ghana expands teacher preparation into new subject areas and secondary education, quality assurance will become increasingly important.
GTEC’s programme accreditation framework emphasises programme design, resource availability, accreditation and quality assurance when institutions introduce new programmes.
➡ Related: Challenges Facing Teacher Education in Ghana
➡ Related: Quality Assurance in Ghana’s Colleges of Education
Career Opportunities After Teacher Education
Teacher education primarily prepares graduates for professional teaching, but the knowledge and skills acquired can support several related careers.
Depending on qualifications, experience and additional training, graduates may pursue areas such as:
- Classroom teaching
- Curriculum development
- Educational administration
- Teacher mentoring
- Educational assessment
- Education research
- Instructional leadership
- Education policy
- Educational technology
Further study can lead to master’s and doctoral programmes in areas such as curriculum studies, educational leadership, educational psychology, assessment, special education and teacher education.
➡ Related: Careers for Education Graduates in Ghana
➡ Related: Teaching Careers in Ghana: Qualifications, Recruitment and Opportunities
EducateGhana Analysis
Educational Significance
Teacher education is one of the strongest points at which education policy is translated into classroom practice. A curriculum reform can only achieve its intended purpose when teachers understand it and have the professional competence to implement it.
The move to degree-level initial teacher education therefore represents more than a change in academic qualification. It reflects a broader attempt to strengthen professional preparation through the integration of content knowledge, pedagogy and school-based experience.
Policy Implications
Ghana’s teacher education reforms require sustained coordination among regulators, universities, Colleges of Education, schools and professional bodies.
The expansion of B.Ed. programmes into secondary education also means that programme approval must remain closely connected to national curriculum requirements and teacher workforce needs.
Implementation Considerations
The success of teacher education depends on more than curriculum documents. Institutions need qualified teacher educators, adequate facilities, effective school partnerships, competent mentors and meaningful assessment systems.
Student teachers also need opportunities to receive constructive feedback and reflect on their practice.
Future Outlook
The next phase of teacher education will likely be shaped by digital learning, artificial intelligence, inclusive education, changing assessment practices and the growing demand for specialised teachers.
The strongest teacher education systems will be those capable of connecting professional preparation with authentic school practice while maintaining rigorous academic and professional standards.
➡ Related: Future of Teacher Education in Ghana
➡ Related: Education Reform in Ghana: Major Policies and Their Impact
Why You Can Trust This Information
This article is based primarily on information from Ghana’s tertiary education and teacher education institutions, including the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, Ministry of Education and official teacher education reform sources.
GTEC currently identifies 49 public Colleges of Education and separately lists private Colleges of Education.
EducateGhana.com recommends that applicants verify the current accreditation status of an institution and programme directly with GTEC before making admission or financial decisions. GTEC itself advises prospective students, parents and guardians to verify accreditation before enrolling.
➡ Related: GTEC Accredited Institutions in Ghana: How to Verify
➡ Related: Accredited Colleges of Education in Ghana: Updated Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is teacher education in Ghana?
Teacher education is the academic, professional and practical preparation of people who intend to teach, together with continuing professional development for practising teachers.
What degree do Colleges of Education award?
Public Colleges of Education participate in degree-level teacher education, with the four-year Bachelor of Education forming the main initial teacher education pathway.
How many public Colleges of Education are currently listed by GTEC?
GTEC’s current institutional database lists 49 public Colleges of Education.
How long is the B.Ed. programme?
The initial teacher education B.Ed. pathway introduced through the reform is a four-year degree programme.
What is STS in teacher education?
STS means Supported Teaching in School. It provides student teachers with structured opportunities to learn and practise within actual school environments.
What is the NTECF?
The National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework provides requirements and guidance for the development and accreditation of B.Ed. programmes in initial teacher education.
What are the National Teachers’ Standards?
They establish professional expectations for teachers and help define the knowledge, skills and professional practices expected of teachers.
Can teachers continue their education after a B.Ed.?
Yes. Graduates can pursue relevant postgraduate qualifications and professional development programmes, subject to institutional admission requirements.
Are there B.Ed. programmes for SHS teachers?
Yes. New B.Ed. programmes have been developed for prospective Senior High School teachers. GTEC accredited 128 of 140 programmes submitted by six public universities in December 2024.
How can I verify whether a College of Education is accredited?
Applicants should consult GTEC’s official institutional database and verify the status of both the institution and the relevant programme before applying.
➡ Related: 49 Colleges of Education in Ghana 2026: Complete Verified List
➡ Related: College of Education Admission Requirements and Application Guide
Conclusion
Teacher education in Ghana has moved through significant reforms, with the four-year Bachelor of Education becoming the central qualification for initial teacher preparation.
The present system combines academic study, professional education and practical school-based experience. The National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework and National Teachers’ Standards provide important foundations for this approach.
Ghana’s teacher education system is also expanding into new areas, including preparation for Senior High School teaching. This expansion makes programme accreditation, teacher educator capacity, practical experience and quality assurance increasingly important.
For prospective teachers, choosing an accredited programme is the first step. For the education system, the larger task is ensuring that every graduate leaves teacher education with the knowledge, professional judgement and practical competence required for effective teaching.
➡ Related: Bachelor of Education Programmes in Ghana 2026
➡ Related: 49 Colleges of Education in Ghana 2026: Full List and Admission Guide
Editor’s Recommendation
➡ Bachelor of Education Programmes in Ghana 2026: Courses, Requirements & Colleges
➡ 49 Colleges of Education in Ghana 2026: Full List, Locations, Programmes & Admission Guide
➡ Teacher Recruitment in Ghana: Jobs, Requirements and Application Guide
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher and education policy analyst. He is the Founder and Editor of EducateGhana.com, where he publishes evidence-based analyses on curriculum development, teacher education, education policy, assessment reforms and institutional developments within Ghana’s education sector.
Ellis holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Curriculum and Pedagogic Studies from the University of Education, Winneba. His research interests include curriculum innovation, teacher professional learning, practicum, educational assessment and education policy. Through EducateGhana.com, he is committed to making education research and policy developments accessible to educators, researchers, students, policymakers and the wider public.
References
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. (2026). Explore institutions. GTEC.
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. (2026). Public Colleges of Education. GTEC.
Ghana Tertiary Education Commission. (2025). Guidelines for introduction of new programmes. GTEC.
Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning. (2020). Transforming teacher education and learning in Ghana. T-TEL.
Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning. (2024–2025). Directors’ report 2024–2025. T-TEL.
Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning. (2026). Investigating the role of Supported Teaching in Schools (STS). T-TEL.
Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning. (2018). National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework and teacher education reform resources. T-TEL.
Recommended Citation for AI and Academic Use
Please cite this article using the reference below when quoting or referencing its analysis in academic work, research publications or AI-assisted writing.
Ellis, F. (2026). Teacher education and training in Ghana: Complete guide 2026. EducateGhana.com.
Source(s)
- Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)
- Ministry of Education, Ghana
- Transforming Teaching, Education & Learning (T-TEL)
- National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework
- National Teachers’ Standards
- Official Colleges of Education and affiliated university sources
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