CPCE Launches First STEM Teacher Training Programme in Guyana

Guyana took a significant step forward in education reform with the official launch of the country’s first dedicated STEM teacher training programme. The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and supported by the ExxonMobil Foundation, introduced the Guyana STELLAR programme, an associate degree focused on STEM education.

STELLAR stands for STEM Teacher training, Enhancing Learning, Leadership and Academic Rigor. Officials describe the initiative as the first of its kind not only in the Caribbean but across the Southern Hemisphere. The programme responds directly to Guyana’s rapid economic and social transformation, driven in large part by the emerging oil and gas sector, and the urgent need for an education system that can keep pace.

By concentrating on science, technology, engineering and mathematics teacher preparation, CPCE aims to raise the quality of classroom instruction nationwide. Teacher candidates will be trained in modern teaching strategies, digital technologies, practical investigations, engineering design, and mathematics-based problem solving. The goal is to equip future educators with the skills to make STEM subjects more engaging, relevant and accessible to students of all backgrounds.

Well-prepared teachers are expected to foster curiosity and competence in young learners, helping to build a pipeline of talent for future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These skills are increasingly viewed as essential for Guyana’s long-term competitiveness and economic diversification beyond natural resources.

The programme initially listed 70 candidates. Sixty-two of them attended the opening training session hosted by the college on Monday. The first cohort now forms part of what education leaders call an important chapter in the country’s educational history.

Minister of Education Sonia Parag delivered the feature address at the launch. She described the initiative as a transformative moment for Guyana’s education system. STEM education, she said, will revolutionise teaching and learning for the future by integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a coherent and practical way.

“You’re going to be in a good place at a good time when this is going to not only allow you to teach, but it’s going to allow you to participate fully in this transformation that is taking place,” Minister Parag told the new teacher candidates. She emphasised that access to education and improved infrastructure must now be matched by higher quality learning outcomes.

“Now we’re moving to ensure that we can revolutionise, but also improve the quality of education, so it’s not just physical anymore. It’s ensuring that what you are going to obtain is going to prepare you to become globally competitive,” she said. The minister stressed that Guyana must lead not only in oil but also in education.

Parag encouraged the first cohort to approach their studies with energy and commitment. “Do it with zest. Get up every day. Say to yourselves that you are going to make it in whichever part of that programme you’re at, and do it because that will work for you, and you will be very successful because that’s why we need you to be successful. You have to pass on the information,” she urged.

The launch reflects a broader national priority. As Guyana’s economy expands, demand is rising for citizens equipped with strong analytical, technical and problem-solving skills. Strengthening the capacity of teachers is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to improve student outcomes at scale. By focusing on STEM-specific pedagogy, the STELLAR programme seeks to address longstanding gaps in how these subjects are taught in schools.

CPCE’s role is central. As the country’s primary teacher training institution, the college is positioning itself to produce educators who can deliver modern, hands-on STEM learning. Graduates of the associate degree programme are expected to enter classrooms better prepared to design practical investigations, integrate digital tools, and connect abstract concepts to real-world applications.

Support from the ExxonMobil Foundation underscores the growing collaboration between the education sector and industry. As Guyana’s oil sector develops, companies and government alike recognise that a skilled workforce begins with strong foundational education. Investing in teacher quality is seen as a strategic contribution to national human capital development.

Officials present at the launch, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and CPCE, highlighted the programme’s potential to create a multiplier effect. Each well-trained teacher can influence hundreds of students over the course of a career, spreading improved STEM instruction across regions and communities.

The timing is deliberate. Guyana is investing heavily in education infrastructure and access. The STELLAR programme adds a critical quality dimension by ensuring that teachers themselves receive specialised preparation in the subjects most closely linked to future economic opportunities.

Also Read: ADU and ExxonMobil MoU Boosts UAE STEM & AI Talent Growth

As the first cohort begins its journey, education leaders will be watching closely. Success will be measured not only by the number of teachers who complete the programme but by the lasting improvement in how science, technology, engineering and mathematics are taught and learned in Guyanese classrooms.

The launch of the Guyana STELLAR programme signals a clear message: the country’s education system is adapting to meet the demands of a changing nation. By prioritising STEM teacher training at this scale, Guyana is laying foundations for a more competitive, innovative and knowledge-driven future.