Shillong: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) in Meghalaya has taken a significant step towards enhancing teacher education with the launch of its Four-Year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). The induction ceremony, held today, was graced by cabinet minister AL Hek and NEHU Vice-Chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla, both of whom underscored the program’s potential impact on the education sector.
Minister Hek stressed the importance of the ITEP, stating, “This programme will not only address the need for skilled teachers across the country but also strengthen the future of education.” He urged students to approach this four-year journey with dedication, encouraging them to become educators capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
The ITEP is among only 64 institutions nationwide to offer this innovative course, which integrates subject specialization with comprehensive education studies. Vice-Chancellor Shukla praised the program for its alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, referring to it as “a pivotal moment in the evolution of teacher education in our country.”
One of the program’s standout features is its unique dual-major framework, allowing students to combine a specialized subject with foundational education studies. Prof. Shukla elaborated that graduates would be well-prepared not only for advanced studies but also for teaching up to the secondary level, assuming leadership roles as principals, or exploring a variety of opportunities within the education sector.
The ITEP incorporates a Choice-Based Credit System, providing students the flexibility to tailor their educational experiences according to their interests and career goals. This innovative approach aims to cultivate well-rounded educators who are equipped to tackle the challenges of modern classrooms.
With the launch of the ITEP, NEHU aims to play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of teachers, addressing the pressing need for qualified educators in the region and beyond.