Educators must continuously upgrade themselves — Fatimah

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LIGHT MOMENT: Fatimah (centre) seen in a light moment with Zulwali (left) and Profes committee member Phang Sin Nan after receiving several Profes journals.

KUCHING: Teachers and lecturers must continuously upgrade themselves because there are always changes in the focus of the education system, said Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah.

“As teachers, we must stay relevant,” she said after receiving visitors from Sarawak Education Professionalism Development Association (Profes).

Profes chairman Zulwali Kifli Merawi led a delegation to formally invite Fatimah to become their advisor.

Fatimah added that Profes complements the government’s effort in increasing the level of professionalism among teachers.

“So this is really something that is very good, that could help teachers,” she said, adding that only Sarawak has a group dedicated to boosting the professionalism level of educators in the state by sharing their skills and knowledge.

Profes is currently organising training and knowledge-sharing for Form Six teachers who will be guiding the incoming students in research, a new element just introduced to the syllabus.

“There will be a higher emphasis on research for this incoming group. This is good because this will be a skill they need when they go to university — how to source for information, the kind of questions you need to ask, or literature you need to read. This would definitely help teachers — both veterans and new ones — who will be teaching Form Six.”

In addition, Profes has published 11 journals and 18 books. They encourage their members to write books, which are sold to schools and universities at a minimal price.

The association also engages visiting educators who are experts in their fields to speak to its members.

Profes was established in 1958 and currently has 222 lifetime members.