UP Education Department to re-instate retired teachers as mentors

In a bid to up the quality of education in government schools in Uttar Pradesh, the state education dept announced the reappointment of retired teachers as mentors. The move is aimed at ensuring better student-teacher ratio, reduced dropouts and more in govt schools.

As per the new program, any govt retired teacher who is below 70 years of age can be appointed as a mentor in govt-run schools, including the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV).

These teachers will be re-instated for collaborative supervision of schools, ensuring a student-friendly environment in classrooms. The concept of mentoring is one of the modern means of teaching that acknowledges crucial factors responsible for better learning.

Under this initiative, all the selected teachers will be tasked to carry out online supportive supervision of at least 30 schools with the help of the Prerna app. This will offer insights into the current schooling system. Apart from this, they will also have to encourage parents and students to use apps like Diksha and Read Along.

Moreover, these mentors will also overlook daily activities like assembly, sports and other extracurricular activities. This way, the concept of mentoring will be introduced to schools in UP on a very less expenditure.

As per the press release issued by the UP education department, teachers below the age of 70 years will only be eligible for mentoring and their tenure will be restricted to 1 year. All the selected teachers will have to go through a performance appraisal review annually, post which their contracts will be renewed.

The selection procedure of these teachers will be on a priority basis, preference will be given to teachers who are state or national level awardees. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience, either as an assistant teacher or head teacher (principal) will be mandatory.