Civic Education Teachers Forum

Civic Education Teachers Forum (CETF) is a Georgian non-profit making, non-political Civic Education (CE) teacher-association, which supports the professional development and work of their members and contributes to establishing a learner-friendly and democratic environment at Georgian schools. CETF wants to empower School Students to become active citizens and to take a self-responsible role in societal, political and cultural Life. The Civic Education Teachers Forum was established in Tbilisi in May 2013, within the Applied Civic Education and Teacher Training (ACETT) program, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The vision of the CETF is the following: Schools in Georgia to become an accomplished democratic institution, which offers a functional environment to bring up and develop active citizens, where civic education is recognized as a significant subject. Forum’s highest governing body is the general assembly, which elects the board (for two years). The board defines the organization’s strategy and elects chairperson. The chairperson represents the organization and coordinates the board’s activities. Regional coordinators implement Forum’s regional activities in eleven regions of Georgia. Objectives of the Civic Education Teachers Forum are the following: - To support teacher ́s development of professional competence through training and preparation courses, seminars and other measures. - To create an experience exchange environment and promote cooperation among teachers through social media platforms, organizing conferences and discussion meetings. - To develop and disseminate modern teaching material, which is learner-centered and interactive. - To promote the significance of the subject Civic Education in Georgian Society and educational system. - To support school-based and youth-led Civil Society activities at Georgian Schools. In order to achieve those aims, CETF works closely with the following partners in Georgia: - Georgian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport - Teachers Professional Development Centre (TPDC) - Centre for Training and Consultancy (CTC) The Forum has over 1.100 members, who are mainly CE-Teachers, but also stakeholders and experts in the field of CE. It has established a regional structure throughout Georgia, composed of regional committees and regional coordinators in all regions. Currently, the Forum employs 3 full-time staff and 3 part-time staff, who are supported by volunteers and external experts for educational projects. The Forum has - within an earlier project „Future Generation“ - already established over 700 „Civic Clubs“ at Georgian Schools. The Civic Clubs are extra-curriculum activities, where school-students participate voluntarily, experience citizenship education and implement their own projects. These clubs are led by CE-teachers, whose role is more the one of a Facilitator or Youth-worker, rather than a traditional teacher. The Civic Clubs are based on a non-formal methodology. CETF works closely with the teachers running and organizing their Civic Clubs and provides them frequently with advice and support.