Dinesh Kamath's Editorial (Improve the system of teacher education) that was published in Newsband

Improve the system of teacher education

The system of teacher education is in urgent need of repair. The overall system of teacher training in the country has been found wanting for decades and many recommendations have been made by expert panels for improvements. There is something seriously wrong in the various B. Ed programmes as well as diplomas in education. There is a demand for greater numbers of teachers. Also the number of institutions and courses at various levels has been increasing in recent years. But no emphasis has been laid on infrastructure, faculty qualification and learning resources.

The entire system of teacher education needs a fresh look. The entry-level qualification for training of teachers should be converted from Plus Two to a well-rounded degree programme. The teacher education should be made a part of the higher education system to introduce the necessary rigour and exposure to various integral disciplines. This will prevent the birth of trainees who are found wanting.

Education is the key to success for any nation. Teachers play an important role in shaping the country's future by cultivating and nurturing our youth. Hence the quality of teachers should be improved. It is crying need of hour to take some immediate actions in this regard. Concerned authority must have a close insight into this matter.

The private schools outnumber the government schools where there is no pre-requisite for becoming a teacher. If the Government is serious about education, it would have made a rule that only those who clear the exams can become teachers bringing in sincerity and dedication among the would-be teachers.

What we find today is that even the best B Ed course in this country is a farce since it's simply too ambitious. More than training, the teachers need an education, which can, initially, only come with the right attitude of one's immediate teachers, not from the comprehensiveness of a course. Needless to say, we need to first help our teachers become 'humans'.

Education is the base upon which a nation is built. Without education we cannot imagine good nation. Our country Education system is low because (1) the salary of teacher is not much comparing to other sector, so people want to become IAS officer, engineer, doctor...not a teacher. (2) Every politician wants only vote and they don’t care about education system. (3) The system is also out dated so we cannot accept it in this era. (4) There are not many training college for teachers. And if there are training colleges, all the seats are filled with powerful and rich people who hardly have any idea about education.

Government should pay attention to all these factors and there should be an open competitive exam to choose able teachers and to impart to them advanced training.