Hyderabad: Union minister Prakash Javadekar’s announcement to give ‘inadequately qualified’ teachers time till March 2019 to acquire the required qualifications has been welcomed by schools across the state.
Other than the Teacher’s Eligibility Test (TET), training programmes such as Bachelor of Education (BEd), Diploma in Education (DEd), language foundation courses in Hindi andTelugu and English language training courses provided by EFLU and other universities are considered as minimum qualification for school teachers.
Educational experts claimed that as BEd and DEd courses are losing their value in the job market, the decision is a welcome move. Mr S. Shankara Chary, principal of Indus Universal School, said, “A teac-her’s training should not stop once he/she is hired. There should be continuous training programmes. The BEd course is a three-year programme which fami-liarises teachers on all subjects, classroom management and other skills which are crucial for the job.”
Many teachers start their training after getting hired through distance education courses. Swati Reddy, a member of the Save Education Society, said, “One cannot get hired without having proper qualifications. The TET alone cannot be used as criteria. Teachers’ training programmes make sure that teachers are well-equipped and familiar with classroom etiquettes.”
Anjali Razdan, principal of P Obul Reddy School, said, “The Central Teacher Eligi-bility Test was not mandatory but it might be reversed.” According to Javedkar, teachers can start their training while in service and this will be their last chance to up their skills.
An official from the Telangana School Board said, “Teachers will be notified to join the Swayam Portal where the Centre will provide online coaching for the required qualification. State government will ensure that the schools get required help in training programmes.”
