Ri-Bhoi (Meghalaya), 6 March: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya
(USTM) inaugurated a two-day national workshop titled “Re-Imagining Teacher
Education: The ITEP Pathway to Professional Excellence” on Friday at the
Central Auditorium of the university.
The workshop was organised by the PQH School of Education with support from IQAC, USTM, bringing together eminent academicians, policymakers, teacher educators, and researchers to deliberate on innovative pathways for strengthening teacher education in India.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Prof. G.D. Sharma, Hon’ble
Vice Chancellor of USTM, who highlighted the importance of transforming teacher education
in alignment with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 and emphasised the
significance of the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) in developing competent and future-ready educators.
The session featured insightful addresses from distinguished speakers, including Prof. Ibadani S. Syiem, Head of the Department of Education at North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), and Dr Syed Abdul Moin, former Joint Director of SCERT Bihar, who shared their
perspectives on curriculum reforms and effective teacher preparation models.
The Guest of Honour, Prof. Binod Kumar Tripathi, former Director of IUCTE at Banaras
Hindu University and former Joint Director of National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT), delivered a thought-provoking address emphasising the integration of
theory, practice, and research in teacher education.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Mohammad Akhtar Siddique, former
Chairperson of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), who elaborated on the
transformative potential of the ITEP model in ensuring quality teacher preparation
nationwide. The participants also received a special video message from Prof. Pankaj Arora,
Chairperson of NCTE, New Delhi, who appreciated USTM’s initiative in promoting dialogue
on teacher education reforms.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Gayatree Goswamee, Dean of the PQH School of Education, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished speakers, participants, and organisers for their valuable contributions.
Almost over 500 teachers across the Northeast joined the two-day workshop in both online and offline modes.
The workshop will continue over the next two days with technical sessions, discussions, and
academic deliberations aimed at exploring innovative strategies for strengthening teacher
education and professional development in India.
Established in 2011, the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) is the
first state private university in the field of Science and Technology in North East India. The
University was accredited with an ‘A Grade’ by the National Assessment and Accreditation
Council (NAAC) in its first cycle of assessment in 2021.
USTM remains committed to excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and community engagement, while promoting inclusivity, sustainability, and regional development.
