National Institute of Education to gain 150 experienced teachers

Hundred and fifty experienced teachers will be absorbed into the understaffed National Institute of Education ( NIE) so educational reforms can be introduced.

A proposal submitted by Education Minister G. L. Peiris to attach 150 experienced teachers with expertise in the relevant subject, who work as teachers in government schools, to the NIE was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers this week.

This proposal was made by the Education Minister, due to the institute currently being unable to work on new education reforms due to shortage of experienced staff.

Head of the NIE Dr. Sunil JayanthaNawaratne told the Education Times that the selection will be made from a set of applicants who are class teachers in government schools and have more than five years of experience.

The proposed education reforms are expected to be introduced in 2023 for grades one, two, six, eight and ten and for grades three, four, five, seven and 11 in 2024.

“Once the teachers are selected, they will assist in curricular reforms. The selection process is being carried out right now. This will be on a part- time basis and they will be paid an additional 25 percent of their salaries. Plans are going ahead to introduce significant changes to syllabi and teaching strategies in the coming years,” Dr Nawaratne said.