The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has launched the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) in 57 Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) throughout India. This flagship initiative is launched under NEP 2020 and aims to equip teachers with 21st-century global standards to shape the future of New India. The course offers a 4-year dual-major undergraduate degree program that prepares teachers for the four stages of the new school structure. In this article, we will discuss ITEP’s objectives, course structure, and benefits for prospective teachers.
Objectives of ITEP The ITEP aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Cutting-edge pedagogy: The program aims to provide cutting-edge pedagogy to prospective teachers, helping them deliver quality education to their students.
- Foundational literacy and numeracy: The ITEP aims to equip teachers with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, enabling them to teach these skills effectively to their students.
- Early childhood care and education: The program emphasizes early childhood care and education, preparing teachers to teach young learners effectively.
- Inclusive education: The ITEP aims to promote inclusive education by equipping teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the needs of diverse learners.
Understanding of India’s values, ethos, art, and traditions: The program aims to provide an understanding of India’s values, ethos, art, and traditions to prospective teachers, promoting cultural sensitivity and appreciation.
Course Structure
The ITEP is a 4-year dual-major undergraduate degree program that prepares teachers for the four stages of the new school structure, as outlined in NEP 2020. The course structure includes the following components:
- Foundation courses: The program includes foundation courses that provide a broad-based education to prospective teachers. These courses include language, mathematics, science, social sciences, and humanities.
- Professional education courses: The ITEP includes professional education courses that prepare teachers for the four stages of the new school structure. These courses include early childhood care and education, primary education, secondary education, and senior secondary education.
- Practical training: The program includes practical training components that provide hands-on experience to prospective teachers. These components include internships, teaching practicums, and field visits.
- Elective courses: The ITEP includes elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas of their interest. These courses include technology-enabled learning, special education, and language teaching.
Benefits for Prospective Teachers Prospective teachers passing out of this course will be equipped with 21st-century global standards to shape the future of New India. The ITEP has several benefits for prospective teachers, including:
· Cutting-edge pedagogy:
- The program provides cutting-edge pedagogy, enabling teachers to deliver quality education to their students.
· Foundational literacy and numeracy:
- The ITEP equips teachers with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, enabling them to teach these skills effectively to their students.
- Early childhood care and education: The program prepares teachers to teach young learners effectively, promoting their holistic development.
- Inclusive education: The ITEP equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the needs of diverse learners, promoting inclusive education.
- Understanding of India’s values, ethos, art, and traditions: The program promotes cultural sensitivity and appreciation, enabling teachers to connect with their students better.
Time-saving: The course structure of ITEP saves students one year by completing it in 4 years instead of 5, allowing them to enter the workforce sooner.