Sindh Govt Introduces First Teaching License Test in Country
The Caretaker Sindh Government in Karachi unveiled Pakistan’s inaugural teaching license test, a groundbreaking move aiming to enhance the quality of educators in public schools. This initiative introduces grade-16 posts for elementary teachers, specifically targeting BEd graduates. Those who pass the license test will qualify for these positions, aligning with the provincial recruitment rules.
The Sukkur Institute of Business Administration’s Testing Services is overseeing online applications https://apply.sts.net.pk for the test until January 11, 2024, with provisions for BEd secondary graduates to apply in subsequent testing cycles for the Teaching License (Secondary).
During the launch, Caretaker Sindh Minister for Education Rana Hussain highlighted the supportive nature of this step, emphasizing its role in aiding teachers and facilitating their career advancement. Hussain encouraged eligible B.Ed graduates to partake in the licensing test, emphasizing its value in professional growth and promoting a culture of professionalism in teaching.
This milestone marks Sindh as the pioneer in the country to establish a teaching license, a proud accomplishment for the province. Minister Hussain assured that the test centers in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, along with weekend scheduling, were structured to minimize disruption to teachers’ regular commitments.
The initiative aligns with the Sindh Teaching License Policy, approved last year, aimed at elevating the teaching profession’s status by attracting talented individuals and enforcing professional training before entering the field. This reform parallels the standards set for other esteemed professions like medicine, law, and engineering.
The policy’s formulation underwent extensive research and consultations led by the Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), engaging various stakeholders from universities, school management, teachers, unions, students, and parents. The rigorous process culminated in a ‘White Paper’ jointly launched by AKU-IED, Sindh Teachers Education Development Authority (STEDA), and Durbeen in June 2022.
Moreover, the policy offers opportunities for existing government schoolteachers to opt for the licensing exam for potential career advancements. Contractual teachers in government schools meeting the requirements can expedite regularization through the licensing process.
Moving forward, subsequent testing cycles will introduce Teaching License Secondary (grades 6-12) and Teaching License Primary (grades 1-5) to further enhance the teaching profession’s standards. This strategic reform underscores the pivotal role effective teachers play in delivering quality education and emphasizes the significance of uplifting teacher quality and support in educational reforms.