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The Kothari Commission framed the National Education Policy (NEP) in 1966, recognizing the vital role teachers play in shaping education and national development. Over half a century later, this belief still holds true as the future of our nation heavily relies on the quality of our educators.
In 2020, the Ministry of Human Resource Development proposed the New Education Policy, also referred to as NEP 2020. This policy seeks to transform the Indian education system through comprehensive reforms, with a particular focus on enhancing the teacher workforce.
NEP 2020 identifies inadequate conditions for teacher education, recruitment, deployment, and service as the reasons behind the low quality of teaching and motivation among Indian teachers. The policy emphasizes the need for high-quality teacher education and intends to introduce a range of systemic changes to inspire young individuals to pursue teaching as a profession.
NEP 2020: The Integrated Teacher Education Programme
Beginning January 2022, a new four-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) will be offered by 45 institutions throughout India. This programme, specifically tailored for aspiring school teachers, combines BA and BSc degrees with B.Ed., effectively creating a dual-major bachelor’s program that saves a year for prospective teachers. It contrasts with the previous system where candidates had to dedicate five years to obtain their graduation and B.Ed. before they could start their teaching career.
By 2030, NEP 2020 stipulates that teacher recruitment will exclusively be based on ITEP. Entry to this course will be determined by scores in the National Common Entrance Test (NCET). This course is provided by forty-five multidisciplinary institutions all over India.
Key reforms in teacher education introduced by NEP include –
The field of pre-service teacher education is undergoing changes with the introduction of the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE 2021). The purpose of NCFTE is to provide guidance on pre-service and in-service education for teachers in various streams, including academic, vocational, and special education. For employment in private or government schools, teachers must pass Teacher Eligibility Tests (TETs) administered by the National Testing Agency. To address teacher shortages, NEP 2020 recommends sharing teachers across different school campuses, particularly for subjects such as art, craft, music, and dance. Additionally, local experts in traditional arts can be utilized as 'master instructors' to enhance the education experience.
Teaching Career & Professionalism –
NEP plans to establish the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) to regulate all aspects of teacher career management, including professional development, salary raises, etc. Teacher audits and professional appraisals are also an integral part of the policy. The NCERT will conduct an in-depth study of international pedagogical approaches and incorporate their findings into the CPD programs for NEP teacher training. The policy mandates a set number of hours for continuous professional development (CPD) each year.
Enculturation of Teacher Empowerment –
NEP emphasizes the critical role of teachers, granting them the right to participate in determining school goals and policies. By involving teachers in the reform process and allowing them to decide on the teaching content and methods, they are given more autonomy and ownership over their work. This increased independence is likely to empower teachers and motivate them to excel in their roles. The policy also aims to acknowledge, document, and share innovative pedagogies and teaching methods devised by Indian teachers. Moreover, NEP strives to establish vibrant teacher communities to facilitate networking and mitigate isolation among teachers. Given the previous lackluster efforts to enhance teachers' working conditions and compensation, NEP 2020 provides a welcome shift. Measures for pre-service teacher education and in-service NEP teacher training programs could vastly improve the learning experience for students. If executed correctly, the education sector could turn into an attractive career choice for gifted young individuals in the coming years.
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