Newly recruited PGTs undergo orientation on NEP, digital learning and student mentoring

Bhubaneswar: The School and Mass Education Department has launched a comprehensive orientation programme for newly recruited Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) posted in Government Higher Secondary Schools and Government Upgraded Higher Secondary Schools to equip them with modern teaching practices, educational policies and administrative skills.

The orientation workshop, being organised by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education at IMAGE, Siripur, has brought together 120 newly appointed PGTs of Sanskrit and Economics. The programme focuses on enhancing classroom effectiveness while preparing teachers to address the evolving needs of higher secondary education.

Director of Elementary Education Balamukunda Meena, who attended the inaugural session, urged the teachers to adopt a problem-solving approach in teaching and emphasised their crucial role in shaping responsible citizens. He said teachers have the responsibility to guide students in the right direction and contribute to nation-building through quality education.

UNICEF Field Office Chief Prasanta Kumar Das encouraged the participants to make the most of the training programme, stressing the importance of mentoring adolescents and helping them stay away from vulnerable situations through proper guidance and counselling.

Director of Higher Secondary Education Niyati Patnaik said the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop should be translated into classroom practices for the holistic development of students. She noted that such orientation programmes play an important role in improving both teaching quality and student outcomes.

The inaugural programme was also attended by UNICEF Education Specialist Lalita Patnaik, Joint Director Sasmita Mali, Deputy Directors C.H. Vijayalakshmi and Jitendra Kumar Nayak. Mali delivered the welcome address, while Vijayalakshmi coordinated the programme and Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.

The orientation is being conducted in two phases, with the first batch scheduled from July 20 to 24 and the second from July 27 to 31.

During the training, participants will receive sessions on the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, gender equality, ICT-enabled teaching, Odisha Education Rules, operations of the SAMS and Shiksha Jyoti portals, the POSH Act, scholarship management, academic administration, examination and evaluation systems, as well as student career counselling and guidance.