In a recent announcement, the Teachers Service Commission expressed concern over the alarming results of the lower secondary level teaching license examination, with less than 10 percent of candidates passing. Commission Chairman Madhu Prasad Regmi labeled the results as "disappointing" and called upon stakeholders to investigate the root causes.
Regmi emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Universities, Curriculum Development Center (CDC), and candidates to collectively address the issue. He warned that without profound consideration, a shortage of qualified candidates for the teaching profession might arise in the future.
The commission highlighted a lack of teaching practice in the syllabus of classes 11 and 12, citing primarily theoretical content. Despite this, the commission emphasized its commitment to maintaining high standards and not compromising on passing percentages.
The commission revealed that the results for the secondary level teacher posts would be announced within the next week. Additionally, preparations for the appointment of new teachers for the next academic session are underway, with plans to place new teachers in classrooms by the end of March.
In response to demands for the Teachers Service Commission to oversee the selection of school principals, Regmi clarified that the current law grants them the right to recommend teachers but not the responsibility of choosing principals. However, he expressed the commission's willingness to take on this responsibility if addressed in the pending education bill.
Regarding the selection process for teachers, the commission discussed the possibility of incorporating practical tests, but resource limitations have been a challenge. Despite conducting practical interviews for computer science subjects, the commission acknowledged the need for more extensive testing methods if resources permit.
Candidates' concerns about the cost and logistics of traveling to examination centers were also addressed. While acknowledging the validity of conducting exams at the district level, Regmi pointed out the financial constraints and potential challenges to the fairness and reliability of examinations in remote districts.
In conclusion, the Teachers Service Commission remains committed to upholding the integrity of its examinations and stressed the importance of addressing the identified challenges to ensure a qualified and capable teaching workforce in the future.
