New Rules for Ethiopian Summer Teacher Training Programs

If you are a teacher in Ethiopia, the Ministry of Education of Ethiopia has introduced a new framework for summer teacher training programs. And it changes how things will work going forward. It is a full update on how teachers can upgrade their qualifications during the summer months. Let’s break down what’s changing and why it matters.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Education built this framework to give teachers a clear path. It outlines exactly how teachers can transition from a diploma to a bachelor’s degree through summer training programs.

In a letter dated November 6, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar), the Ethiopian Ministry told all universities that the old summer teacher training programs would be discontinued. These programs have been running since 2012 (Ethiopian Calendar). They were part of a bigger effort to reform the education system. But now, they are being replaced.

Summer teacher training programs are not disappearing. They are just getting an upgrade. Under the new system, these programs will continue, but they’ll follow the newly developed training framework instead of the old one.

This is probably the most important part for teachers planning ahead. The Ministry announced that only eight universities have been selected to run the summer training programs for 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar).

Here’s the full list:

Kotebe University of Education
Bahir Dar University
Hawassa University
Mekelle University
Jimma University
Haramaya University
Gondar University
Arba Minch University

If your target university is not on this list, that’s something to pay attention to. The Ministry made it pretty clear that no other universities can offer these summer teacher training programs. So if you are planning your summer training, stick to the eight universities listed above.

Not everyone is starting fresh, and the Ministry addressed that, too. Teachers who began their training before 2011 (Ethiopian Calendar) but have not finished yet don’t need to worry about switching frameworks.

The letter, signed by Ethiopian Minister of Education Berhanu Nega, states these teachers should complete their training based on the previous decision. In other words, if you started under the old rules, you’ll finish under the old rules, too.

Transitions can be confusing, particularly the transition to your career and education. This seems to be an effort to establish a more consistent framework everywhere. The Ethiopian Ministry is making it a bit simpler, as opposed to various universities having the same type of program with different standards set. That may result in better training quality nationwide.

Moreover, the Federal Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institute TVETI of Ethiopia just opened applications for a summer training program. This is not like a typical summer class. You will get hands-on training in 3D printing and machine design.

Debre Markos Airport just reopened after three decades, it reopened on July 5, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar), July 12, 2026 (Georgian Calendar).