Baku:State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has announced plans to extend the training duration for primary school teachers to two-and-a-half to three years. This initiative aims to improve the quality of primary education and enhance the professional skills of teachers.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government also plans to increase the annual training capacity of Primary Training Institutes (PTIs) from around 7,000 to 42,000. This expansion is part of a broader effort to align teacher training with international standards.
In a recent interview, Hajjaj detailed various initiatives targeting primary education improvements, including teacher recruitment and promotion, the integration of technology in classrooms, the midday meal programme, and oversight of private and kindergarten schools. He explained that the government is developing a new training framework to ensure teachers acquire modern teaching skills. Newly recruited teachers will begin with two months of in-campus training at PTIs, followed by phased training modules over a period of two-and-a-half to three years.
Hajjaj emphasized the government's commitment to preventing teachers from remaining in classrooms without adequate training. Plans include involving public and private university education departments in teacher training and extending quality programmes to teachers in private schools and kindergartens.
Addressing the midday meal programme, Hajjaj stated that it currently operates in 150 upazilas, with plans to expand it nationwide by 2027 to ensure nutritious meals for all children in government primary schools.
The proposed 'One Teacher, One Tablet' initiative aims to create a digital ecosystem in classrooms, with the support of technology companies like Google. Efforts are also underway to equip remote schools with solar panels and internet access.
Regarding the 36,960 vacant head teacher positions, Hajjaj mentioned that the legal process for promotions is concluded, and the government is awaiting final court documentation to expedite the process. This will pave the way for recruiting a significant number of assistant teachers.
Lastly, the National Curriculum and Textbook Board has been tasked with reducing textbook burdens and making learning more engaging through activities like mathematics and science Olympiads. Special allowances are also under consideration to encourage teachers to work in remote areas and residential schools.