Rayees Masroor
India’s second President, a renowned philosopher and distinguished scholar Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan has rightly said,”The destiny of India is being shaped in her classrooms.”In different civilizations around the world,a teacher has always been more than a source of knowledge or information.Teachers are regarded as nation builders who not only guide the children but mould their character and nurture values among them. From the times of chalkboard to this era of digital screen, teachers continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the society.Teachers give purpose to the lives of the children and inspire them to do well and succeed in life.Even In the contemporary era of industry 4.0 equipped with artificial Intelligence, advanced search engines, and online tutorials, if one may raise a question, is the teacher still relevant? The answer is unambiguous and a resounding ‘yes.
Technology can undoubtedly provide a lot of knowledge and information, but only a teacher can cultivate values and wisdom.All the prestigious professionals like doctors, engineers, leaders, and scientists are the products of a teacher’s dedication and hardwork.The empathy, encouragement, and mentorship offered by a teacher cannot be replicated by any machine.
TET:Competence matters the most:
Irrespective of the time and place,society needs competent teachers because they only teach the individuals but also shape the destiny of nations. A teacher’s competence influences the quality of education, the character of students, and eventually the progress of a nation.
In this context, A Teachers Eligibility Test serves as an important yardstick.Across the world, benchmarks like Praxis in the United States, Qualified Teacher Status or QTS in England and teacher licensing exams in countries like Japan and Singapore exist.The aim is to ensure that those entering the teaching profession possess the right knowledge, skills, and attitude to teach effectively and purposely.
TET:Introduction and background:
In the Indian context,Teachers Eligibility Test or TET was introduced in 2011 as a mandatory qualifying exam to improve the quality of school education.Basically,Its origin lies in the section 23 of the RTE (Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education ) Act,2009 which emphasized the need for the competent and trained teachers in classrooms.Subsequently ,the National Council for Teacher Education was empowered to prescribe minimum qualifications for teachers. As per its guidelines, passing TET became a prerequisite for appointment in government and some private schools.Its believed that, TET is not only a legal mandate but also a reform measure to uphold the dignity and competence of the teaching profession in India.The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) has created ripples across the education sector. By reaffirming TET as a mandatory qualification, the Supreme Court has underlined its role in ensuring merit-based recruitment and quality teaching but there are few challenges and the situation on the ground needs to be taken into consideration.
TET:Challenges and criticism:
While the TET aims to uphold teaching standards, it has not been immune to criticism. Many argue that a single qualifying exam cannot fully measure a teacher’s classroom competence, creativity, or ability to handle the classroom transactions.The high failure rates in several states have also raised concerns about inadequate teacher training and poor infrastructure in teacher education institutes.One of the major challenges for the teaching profession in India is the government’s low spending or investment in the education.As of now the expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP remains below global benchmarks, limiting resources for teacher training, infrastructure, and continuous professional development.This underfunding creates roadblocks in the effectiveness of initiatives like the Teachers Eligibility Test.Increasing education spending is not just a financial necessity but an investment in the nation’s future.Further, frequent changes in exam patterns,uneven implementation across states, and delays in conducting the TET itself has discouraged aspiring teachers. Critics also point out that in service teachers often face undue stress when required to clear TET for continuing in the service.
TET: Essential for Career Progression
There are limited career advancement opportunities for school teachers especially in the states like J&K .Teachers Eligibility Test should serve as a benchmark for career progression and promotion in the teaching profession. Making TET mandatory for advancement ensures that teachers continue to uphold high standards of competence and remain accountable throughout their careers.
Without such a requirement or any departmental examination,promotions risk being based solely on seniority, rather than merit or teaching ability. By linking TET with career growth, the system would assist teachers to enhance their skills, stay updated with pedagogical practices, and commit to lifelong learning.In J&K school teachers face very limited opportunities for career growth. Unlike other professions, there is no departmental examination or structured merit-based system for promotions, leaving advancement largely tied to seniority rather than competence.This lack of clear pathways is discouraging for dedicated teachers, affecting motivation and the overall quality of education. Introducing departmental exams and linking promotions to merit would not only reward skilled educators but also strengthen the teaching profession in the UT.The system needs to acknowledge that career growth is not just a personal goal but it directly impacts how effectively teachers shape the future of their students.
TET: Addressing the Unnecessary Hype
In recent times, there has been unnecessary hype and panic around the TET. Many teachers fear job loss, even though TET is meant to ensure minimum competence, not to punish the nation builders.It’s important to understand that states have the authority to devise and conduct their own TET, tailoring the syllabus and procedures to local requirements. Clear communication and proper guidance can reduce anxiety among teachers, emphasizing that TET is a tool for ensuring teaching standards rather than a threat to employment.
While TET has drawn criticism for its limitations and the anxiety it creates among teachers, its importance in setting a benchmarks for competence and linking career progression or promotions to merit cannot be denied. What is needed is thoughtful implementation and support systems, not undue hype or fear.
Rayees Masroor is a columnist and Academician based in north Kashmir.He writes extensively on educational,social and youth related issues.He can be reached at rayeesmasroor111@gmail.com
