Malta

Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development

Teacher Education Specific to Reading

Teachers of Grade 5 in Malta have completed a four year training course leading to a bachelor’s degree in education. Prospective teachers are given the opportunity to specialize in early childhood education or junior years. Throughout the program, trainees study topics related to teaching and learning and carry out six week practical teaching placements during each of the last three years of the program. This gives them the opportunity to implement what is discussed during lectures and to refine their teaching skills with the support of their tutors. Although student teachers follow general study units in reading, they may enroll in specialized courses on reading difficulties (e.g., specific learning difficulties) at the postgraduate level.

Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development in Reading for Teachers

Teachers specifically working in the area of reading are provided with continual professional development for one day a month and are expected to follow a 12 hour in service training course. Schools also might offer basic training in general reading strategies during the two hour professional development sessions held each term during the school year.