The government of Kerala is launching a novel initiative to establish a “bank of teachers,” comprising retired school faculty members eager to continue contributing to the education sector. State General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced the commencement of procedures for this initiative, aimed at utilizing the rich experience and knowledge of retired teachers.
During a meeting of retired schoolteachers, Minister Sivankutty emphasized the initiative’s inclusive nature, welcoming all retired teachers interested in supporting the school ecosystem. The goal is to improve academic standards by providing additional teaching after regular school hours, drawing on the experience of teachers who retire relatively young.
Anzar, Thrissur district education officer, highlighted that this initiative is unprecedented in Kerala. He explained that utilizing retired teachers’ expertise could significantly enhance education quality and student success rates, following the example set by private CBSE and ICSE schools.
Zita Jose, principal of Hill Blooms School in Wayanad, emphasized the potential of this initiative to address the early retirement of competent teachers at age 56, enabling the state to benefit from their continued involvement in education.
Alice George M, retired principal of Vyloppilly GVHSS, Ollur, Thrissur, stressed the importance of leveraging experienced teachers’ abilities in handling diverse student needs and employing effective teaching methods. She highlighted the need for rigorous selection and training processes for retired teachers participating in the programme, ensuring their contributions effectively enhance the teaching-learning process.
Overall, the initiative aims to rejuvenate the education system in Kerala by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by retired educators, ultimately benefiting both current students and teachers alike.