State-Level Training Program Begins for PGT Teachers in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A five-day induction training program for Postgraduate Teachers (PGTs) in History and English began today at the Institute of Management and Advanced Global Excellence (IMAGE) in Shampur, Bhubaneswar. The training, organized by the Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Odisha, has brought together 100 PGT teachers from non-government aided higher secondary schools across the state.

The inaugural session was attended by key officials including Subhashree Nanda, Additional Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department; Sasmita Mali, Joint Director, DHSE; Snigdha Mishra, Joint Director, DHSE; Julie Mangaraj, Joint Director, DHSE; and Deputy Director Jitendra Nayak.

In her keynote address, Nanda stressed the importance of compassion and value-based teaching in shaping students’ character and promoting holistic development. She called for a learning environment that is stress-free and child-friendly, while also encouraging stronger parental engagement. Highlighting the priorities of 21st-century education, she urged teachers to integrate skill-based learning, vocational training, and digital tools in line with the National Education Policy (NEP).

The training aims to enhance the professional competencies of teachers through modules on classroom management, pedagogy, teacher development, and group-based activities. Special sessions are planned on the Odisha Career Portal, the formation of Aspirational Schools, and effective classroom practices. Teachers will also receive practical exposure to the iGOT Karmayogi platform and vocational education systems.

Based on feedback from previous training initiatives, this edition includes additional focus on scholarship procedures, promoting nutritional well-being in schools, and building climate-resilient classrooms.