In a historical move, Sindh has become the first province to introduce a teaching license policy for instructors from the public and private sector.
Under this policy, two teacher training insitutes will be established under the Sindh Teacher’s Education Development Authority (STEDA) and a board will be set up to oversee teacher trainings as well as provide professional licenses.
With this initiative, anyone who wishes to join with a Bachelor’s in Education (BEd.) can give the exam, after which they will be provided with a license to teach students from one of the three categories: elementary (Grades 1-8), primary (Grades 1-5) and secondary (Grades 6-12).
The Sindh government has also taken a step to attract more people towards the teaching sector by opening up 700 new vacancies for elementary school teachers for BPS-16 across the province, which will be offered to those with a BEd and a teaching license obtained by passing the exam.
Speaking on the success of the policy, the Provincial Minister of Sindh for Education, Culture, Tourism and Antiquites, Syed Sardar Ali Shah said:
“Conceptualising and bringing the teaching license policy to life has not been easy. However, I am grateful to Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (STEDA), Durbeen and all other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this policy a possibility. The success of the next generation of teachers and students ultimately depends on its smooth implementation.”
He also added that Sindh was the only province in Pakistan to pass the landmark bill which shall improve the teaching profession and attract mroe bright minds to the field:
“Sindh is the only province that has approved a teaching license policy, which represents a proactive approach to recognising the value and importance of effective teaching. With the policy in place, the Sindh Government has laid the foundation for a more robust and professional teaching workforce, which will have a positive and lasting impact on the educational landscape in the province.”
