Queen Rania Launches Partnership Between QRTA and USAID to Expand Pre-service Teacher Training

(Office of Her Majesty – Press Department – Amman) - Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green, announced on Wednesday a new collaboration between USAID and the Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA) at QRTA’s new premises at the University of Jordan.

The collaboration, which will span four years, aims to provide QRTA’s pre-service Teacher Education Professional Diploma (TEPD) at public universities outside the capital, Amman. Before rolling out the program, QRTA will train university staff in charge of teaching the diploma to ensure full adherence to its standards.

Through this collaboration, university students aspiring to become teachers will gain the practical skills they need to make learning engaging for children.

Established in 2016, the TEPD was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, incorporating international best practices, while also addressing challenges unique to Jordan’s classrooms. The program has successfully empowered its graduates with improved teaching skills and enhanced students’ learning outcomes.

Commenting on the new partnership, Her Majesty Queen Rania noted that this collaboration will shed light on QRTA’s important role in teacher training, and enhance the quality of education across Jordan by providing teachers with skills to excel in the classroom.

Her Majesty also thanked USAID for its support and its commitment to Jordan’s development, highlighting its focus on issues of concern to Jordan, and the crucial role the collaboration will have in expanding the reach of pre-service teacher training outside the capital, Amman.

Conveying her vision for QRTA, Her Majesty added that the academy aims to become a regional center for expertise in education development and teacher training, stressing the importance of adhering to the highest standards when scaling the diploma program across the country.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Walid Maani, QRTA’s CEO Osama Obeidat revealed that the academy will prepare a special training program for university staff who will be teaching the diploma program in order to guarantee full adherence to its standards. 

Emphasizing the economic importance of investments in education, USAID Administrator Green said: “educated children and youth who are engaged in their communities are the best hope for sustainable economic growth. USAID is proud to partner with QRTA to ensure that all children across Jordan receive an education that empowers them to reach their full potential.”

Accompanied by Administrator Green, Her Majesty toured the academy and met graduates of the TEPD and some of its current trainees, to hear about how the program has enhanced their teaching skills.  

USAID has provided support to QRTA since 2013 to implement a number of programs aimed at providing relevant training and support to thousands of teachers, helping them manage diverse classrooms, foster innovation, leadership, and intellectual curiosity among Jordan’s youth, and create improved learning environments for children across the country.

Working with the Jordanian ministry of education, USAID has also undertaken various projects to improve Jordan’s education sector. Most notable are its efforts to expand public schools and enhance their infrastructure.

QRTA is an independent non-profit organization committed to the vision of Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of empowering educators with the skills, recognition, and support they need to excel in their classrooms. Launched in 2009, and in partnership with the ministry of education, QRTA offers training programs to Jordanian teachers geared towards meeting the educational needs of students in Jordan and the Arab World. To date, QRTA has trained 70,000 teachers across Jordan.