Dimapur, June 3 (MExN): Institute of Psychology Counseling and Educational Research (IPCER) Chumukedima organized a teachers’ training with the theme ‘Teachers as a Counsellor’ for all Chumukedima private institutes at Mount Mary College Chumukedima on June 2. 55 teachers from 10 schools took part in the second teachers’ workshop of the institute, according to a press release from Atoli, IPCER Programme Coordinator.
The main motive of the workshop, the release said, is to bring together all the academicians and experts from different schools to exchange knowledge, ideas and findings to implement the importance of counseling and skill teachers as counsellors.
The facilitators for the training were Dr. Zavise Rume, Associate Professor, SCERT and Bokatoli, Counseling Psychologist and faculty of IPCER. IPCER graduate students Alila Imchen and Mary did a case presentation.
Dr. Thejakhrielie Sekhose, Additional Director, SCERT Kohima, in his keynote address stressed that teachers are professionals, and so must be trained and updating their knowledge constantly. “Teachers are the first persons to notice students’ issues. A teacher should be able to help the students manage their mental health, well being, facilitate, psycho educate and equip them for a better future,” he stated. “If you are not a good guide, you cannot be a good teacher…for that you need to have skills and knowledge as a Counsellor.”
He further emphasized that counseling is a necessity, but there is massive deficit in the aspect. “Since every child is unique, teachers should be competent to deal with such by acquiring and training oneself, beginning with being empathetic, non-judgmental and unconditional positive regard,” Dr. Thejakhrielie added.
Hinting that similar training by SCERT is in the pipeline, he maintained that every teacher must be a trained counselor, the release stated. The programme was chaired by Tainla, psychologist, while welcome address was delivered by Nukshi Esther Imsong, Director/Founder of IPCER.
