CS moots forming subject-wise teachers' associations
VIJAYAWADA: AP chief secretary Dr. K.S. Jawahar Reddy on Thursday emphasised on the importance of teachers engaging with parents towards enhancing academic activities in schools.
He was speaking at a one-day workshop on “Improving Academic Activities in Schools for Better Learning Outcomes with All Stakeholders”, organised jointly by the Department of School Education, Samagra Shiksha and State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT).
Teachers, officials of the state education department, regional joint directors, district education officers, representatives of various education-related organisations and educationists participated in the workshop.
Dr Jawahar Reddy, who hails from a teachers' family, expressed his understanding of the challenges faced by the teaching community. He asked teachers to collaborate with parents and actively participate in community development. This will motivate students to study with dedication and perseverance for building a better society.
The chief secretary highlighted AP’s Videsh Vidya Deevena scheme, which provides students opportunities to study in leading international institutes. He underlined that empowering students with such educational schemes can lead to remarkable achievements.
Dr Jawahar Reddy highlighted the role of teachers’ unions in addressing professional issues and strengthening the education system. He suggested forming subject-wise teachers' associations, for example, mathematics, science and languages associations, to provide valuable suggestions and guidance to students, enhancing their understanding of their respective subjects.
The CS emphasised on teachers’ responsibility in enrolling out-of-school children by identifying and addressing the reasons for their absence. He asked teachers to reach out to parents and ensure that their children receive education.
Principal secretary (School Education) Praveen Prakash pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is leading in education reforms, including appointment of subject teachers from class three itself and introduction of bilingual textbooks.
School Education commissioner S. Suresh Kumar informed the workshop about the pioneering efforts of Andhra Pradesh in initiating digital initiatives, good governance and transparency in education. He highlighted the government's efforts, such as distributing tablets to students and teachers, and installing interactive smart TVs in classrooms.
Midday meal scheme director Dr. Nidhi Meena stressed on the importance of providing nutritious meals to children as part of their education. She urged schools to register and use midday meal scheme app efficiently.