Bachelor in education: Teach India to break the mould and fashion the leaders of tomorrow

With a population of 1.21 billion and almost 50 percent between the ages of 0 to 25 years, India is facing a crunch of teachers. "The overwhelming majority of children in our schools and colleges experience mediocre or indifferent teaching. A nation-wide study conducted by Educational Initiatives indicates that children's conceptual understanding of math and science is poor even in our elite schools. There is thus a tremendous need to help teachers teach in ways that support the learning needs of diverse children so that their intellectual and creative potential is unlocked," says Indira Vijaysimha, member, Academics and Pedagogy team, Azim Premji Foundation, Bengaluru.

According to an industry chamber study, the size of the education sector is expected to double to US$ 50 billion by 2015 with the rise in government expenditure along with an increase in middle-class income.

The government is planning to spend about five per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the next five years on education, as per the study. "Teacher preparation and development are areas that need serious, sustained and critical intervention given the present situation in our schools," adds Vijaysimha.

Those interested in the field, apart from a bachelor in education, can also opt for a master's in the same. They may also pursue a specialisation in the course of their choice. This degree in education includes majors such as -curriculum and instruction, counselling, and administration making the aspirants industry ready.

Where to study
They may pursue the course from Annamalai University, Bengaluru University, Jamia Millia Islamia Institute of Post Graduate Studies and Research, University of Kerala, Institute of Distance Education, University of Madras, Maharishi Dayananad University, Rohtak, Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal, Patna University, SNDT Women's University, Mumbai and Government College of Teacher Education Kerala and Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

Pay packet
While pay scale for junior or assistant professors may start from Rs 20,000 and go up to Rs 30,000 per month, those on a higher position can demand a package of anything between Rs 40,000 and Rs 80,000 per month.

Reproduced From India Today. © 2011. LMIL. All rights reserved.