November Edition Volume 1 | No.1 THE ACADEMIA for Teacher “Reshaping Teaching Profession”

Message from Dr. Mohan Lal Grero VISION : DEVELOP TEACHERS EQUIPPED WITH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE Founder Lyceum International COMPETENCIES IN THE LEARNING – TEACHING PROCESS IN ENGLISH MEDIUM.

"What's important is not the accolades and memories of MISSION : FACILITATE THE LEARNING – TEACHING PROCESS IN ENGLISH success but the way you MEDIUM IN PRIMARY, JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECONDARY LEVELS INCLUDING respond when opportunities EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION. are denied." - Tony Dungy - Message from the Coordinating Principal, The way you respond to Lyceum International Schools circumstances is always in your control. It's easy to respond in a positive way when Dear Teacher Trainees, everything is going great but can you take that positive It is with great pleasure that I am writing this message to you on attitude and apply it to defeat too? You see true champions The Academia’s first publication. I hope most of you who have know that defeat is part of the process - that you can't win selected this programme due to having the passion and the ambition every time. You must be able to work through defeat and to become a teacher. Being a teacher, for me, is the greatest profession. come back even stronger. Otherwise you're out of the Although I am a principal, I have never been a teacher myself but I provide leadership game. to teachers and I have seen what a great change a teacher can make to the life of a The next time you fail, have faith in yourself and accept the child. Although people say the great professions begin with doctors, engineers and defeat graciously. That way, when the opportunity for lawyers. You, as a teacher, makes all these professions possible. If you do well and success appears, you will be able to accept that graciously guide your students along the correct path up, there is no greater merit ; this act too. But remember, you are not granted success. You are alone is enough. only granted opportunities. Success has to be earned! One day you will pass out of the Lyceum Academy, you will make teaching your Tom Hopkins once said "You are your greatest asset. Put profession and earn a salary. Always remember that this is not just another job. You your time, effort and money into training, grooming, and are moulding the future generation of tomorrow. encouraging your greatest asset. Do it with love, Go that extra mile. I wish you all the best ! "After all, if you don’t use today better than yesterday, then why would you need a tomorrow?” Dr. (Mrs.) Kumari Grero Coordinating Principal - Lyceum International Schools/ Chief Academic Officer

Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education (LATE) of Lyceum International (Pvt) Limited (LIS) was established in the year 2004 with the vision of moulding a band of teachers equipped with the most up-to-date competencies of the learning-teaching process. LATE too, is the brain-child of Hon. Dr. Mohan Lal Grero, the founder of LIS. He was assisted by Mr. K. G. Kulasena, as the first Head of the Department of LATE. The vision of the founder is to provide opportunities for professional development of prospective teachers for Lyceum International Schools and other private sector schools in Sri Lanka.

LATE has grown from strength to strength shaping efficient & effective teachers for both local & global demands. Today, LATE humbly owns the fame gained through remarkable services contributed towards achieving Global Aims of Education and making genuine efforts in 're-shaping teaching profession' locally and thus, participating in the sustainable development of humankind. The first Awards Ceremony of the Lyceum Academy was held with the distinguished presence of Professor (Mrs.) Kusuma Karunaratne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies of the of Colombo. LATE proudly announces that she has molded more than 5000 teachers for the system since its inception.

① From a Teacher Message from the Head of the Department Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education I have come to a frightening conclusion: I as a Head of the Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education (LATE) indeed That I am the decisive element in the happy to pen this message at this significant life event of Lyceum Academy classroom , for Teacher Education : That is publishing of “The ACADEMIA” news letter. It is a wise decision that you have made your mind to be a teacher by following It’s my personal approach that creates the a well recognized professional programme at LATE as you contribute to climate, national development by being able to get developed yourself too. It’s my daily mood that makes the How much we talk about the development of our mother land, it cannot be done without developing human resources. LATE being a leading and deeply weather. rooted teacher development institution in the private sector, can be proud of molding more than 6000 competent teachers for the system of education As a teacher, I posses a tremendous power lessening the burden of unemployment rate. It is an eye opener for the Sri Lankan government to comprehend the significance of extending its helping To make a child’s life miserable or hand using the private public partnership in credible manner. joyous, So remember LATE is in you, for you and with you. I can be a tool of torture Thank you. Or an instrument of inspiration. Dr. Sarath Perera I can humiliate or honour , hurt or heal. HOD, Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education

Philosophy : a reflection on Education Today

Amidst endless efforts to cultivate ‘humans’, the so-called Any educational activity, therefore, must necessarily touch the ‘education’ has become a futile and shipwrecked phenomena, realm of producing ‘the whole man’, for the truly educated individual is where in and through Education everyone attempts to find a ‘a not the one who knows all of everything of a subject; nor the one who means of living’ rather than embracing it fully as ‘the core of living’. knows a bit of everything, but who is truly in touch with the Center. Such In other words, the ordinary still refers ‘to educate…’ as something a person will not be in doubt about his or her basic convictions, on to learn for future living or mere survival. On the contrary, all meaning and purpose of life. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to traditional and contemporary , particularly Educational re-wire our approach to education from that of subject specialization for a Philosophy in itself, is an attempt to create an orderly system of living to the one of journeying to the Center. In this, the teacher plays a ideas or more precisely, to live and interpret the world as it moves role himself while he/she (should) participates in the journey, she/he forward at its own pace. Thus, unwarranted superseding or touches the periphery of any educational activity. The following lines of “A exceeding of natural world would result in havoc in all spheres of Parable” by J.R.Kinghorn challenge both the teacher and the system life, some of which we already experience at present. alike. In the context, education cannot help us as long as it accords no place to holistic development of man, namely, a state of stable behavioral change. Whether the subjects taught are subjects “.….You helped me extend my hands of science or of business, if the learning-teaching process does not with incredible machines, lead to a classification of higher values, that is to say, of our My eyes with telescopes and microscopes, fundamental convictions, it cannot educate a man and my ears with telephone, radios and sonars, consequently, cannot be real value to society. It is evident that the my brain with computers; lack of ‘depth’ with which the subjects are presented causes the But, you did not help me extend decadence in entire society. For instances, the Sciences… are my heart, love, concern taught without any awareness of the laws of natural sciences within to the entire human family. the cosmos of thought. Economics and Business… are being You, teacher, gave me half a loaf.’’ taught without any reference to what value most in relationships and communication. The fundamental truth that every teacher ought to be aware of, is: all subjects, no matter how specialized, are connected with the Center; they are like the rays emanating from Esmond De Silva the sun. The center consists of Love, Goodness and Beauty - Registrar whether we like it or not - that penetrates all facts and figures in its Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education ceaseless upward rising. ② Why did you decide to become a teacher ? Evaluate your self. Your “DRESS CODE” By becoming a teacher, you devote your life to education for reasons as individual to you as any other part of your identity. Still, It usually should not be the money, and the three Please note all trainees are kindly month vacation. Being a teacher are deeper than that, and while the reasons are personal, requested to dress modestly & decently for they must train themselves to be they are almost all united by the desire to impact people’s life. Teaching is more than just exemplary teachers. And also, all a job. It's a calling. It's an ever-surprising mix of grueling hard work and ecstatic successes, training programmes are conducted in both big and small. The most effective teachers I have seen are in it for more than just a Lyceum school premises and therefore, paycheck, by keeping their energy levels up by focusing on why they got into teaching in you're reminded that you are entering a school where students are learning, the first place. Think whether you also can be the same. working and training during and after The greatest asset you can bring to the classroom each day is your own unique personality. school hours as well. Sometimes at certain situations you need to blend in and tone down your personality. Females shall wear long, un-split loose Remember to use your individual gifts to inspire, lead and motivate your students. And skirts extending below the knee level or when the job gets tough, will you be able to use your sense of humour that can keep you long loose jeans with blouses without moving forward with your students? deep neck line or they shall wear non- See whether you can really be encouraged and uplifted by the little joys that accompany transparent frocks. Avoid three-quarter length trousers, tight jeans, deep-neck working with children or you will cherish the funny things they say, the silly things they do, and sleeveless blouses. The idea is that the questions they ask, and the stories they write. they must be decently dressed. Can you bring the full force of your personality and expertise to the classroom, to inspire your students and mold their young, impressionable minds? This is a sacred trust we are Males shall wear long trousers with shirt or T-shirt trucked into trouser. Both men given as teachers, and definitely one of the benefits of the job. Remember each day when & women should avoid wearing slippers. you go in front of your students, certain things you do and certain things you say, will leave a lasting impression on your students. Can you really leave only good impressions in their We would be much delighted to see you minds? all in Academy T- Shirt. Did you enter the education profession because you want to make a difference in the Your cooperation in maintaining the world and their communities? If it is so, it is a noble and valiant purpose that you should standards of the academy is highly always keep in the forefront of your mind. No matter how many challenges you face in the appreciated classroom, your work truly does have positive harvest for your students, their families, and The above mentioned set of the future. Give your best to each student and watch them grow. This is truly the greatest instructions, guidelines & code of ethics gift of all. is to maintain standards of the If the hugs, smiles, and laughter of your students can keep you going and remind you of programmes and to offer all our trainees an enjoyable educational journey. We why you became a teacher in the first place so you are a teacher with love and empathy. hope you will co-operate with LATE in our service to your personal Wish you all the best. development and institutional objectives.

By Shermila Milroy (Educationist)

(The General Coordinator)

Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education ③ NEWS

35th Award Ceremony 2019 Inauguration of new batches English Language Enhancement in Nugegoda Program (ELEP)

With the objective of further development of English Language Skills of our trainees, a specialized and tailor-made programme will be made available for those needy ones Lyceum Academy for Teacher Education held its from November 2019.This will be a value 35th award ceremony , awarding certificates to addition to all trainees ‘Free-of-Charge’. over 30 students from its different branches. Enhancing Higher Educational Opportunities The festival was held at Aeolian Hall in of LATE Diploma Holders Nugegoda on the 14th of September 2019. All programmes of the Lyceum Academy were His Excellence Mr.Riyaz Hamidullah, the High inaugurated in Nugegoda for September Intake In view of opening opportunities for Commissioner of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka on 30th September 2019. Total of 220 new development of educational pathways to our graced the occasion as the chief guest. prospective teacher trainees joined Lyceum diploma holders, LATE has networked with Opened New Branch of LATE in Kandy Academy in pursuit of their ambition to prestigious & recognized The 9th successive branch of Lyceum Academy become competent teachers in respective institutes in Sri Lanka. was ceremonially established with the august specializations through Dip. In Early Childhood presence of Hon. Founder Dr. Mohan Lal Grero Development Education, Dip. In Accordingly, Horizon Campus has renewed & Dr.(Mrs.) Kumari Grero on 9th September Teaching , Dip. In English Language Teaching , agreement with LATE for the 2nd successive 2019 at Apollo Int. School in Kandy. Dr. Sarath Dip. In Teaching Science & Dip. In Teaching year. Soon , NIBM will absorb our diplomas Perera - HOD , Mr. Esmond De Silva - Registrar , . Lyceum Academy welcomes in English Language Teaching Program into Mrs. Shanthi Abeygunawardena - Sr. them ALL! 2nd year of B.Ed in English offered by the Lecturer/Coordinator were present and University of Coventry UK (with 1st Year initiated two diploma programmes , namely , Visit of Bangladesh High Commissioner Exemption). Diploma in Primary School Teaching & Diploma Subsequent to the Award Ceremony , H.E. in English Language Teaching services of Mr.Riaz Hamidullah - High Commissioner of Initial discussions are underway with Lyceum Academy are now available for Bangladesh and a team of delegates from KIU ,Koswatte & IIHS , Welisara which will prospective teachers in Kandy & suburbs. education sector of Bangladesh visited Lyceum soon come to the limelight. Participation at TVEC-Training International School & Lyceum Academy Several representatives of LATE participated at Nugegoda on 21/10/2019.They held the three day ToT Programme conducted by discussions with Dr.Mohan Lal Grero & Officials Compiled by Mr.Esmond De Silva YouLead affiliated with the Arizona State of Lyceum on expansion of educational Registrar University USA sponsored by TVEC held on services to Bangladesh. Lyceum Teacher Training Academy 17,18 & 19 of October 2019. ④