The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) was introduced as a key reform in teacher education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to enhance the quality of teachers at the secondary level and beyond.
Origin and Purpose of ITEP
- Origin and Context in NEP 2020
- NEP 2020 identified fragmentation in teacher education as a major challenge and proposed integrating subject knowledge with pedagogy through a four-year ITEP.
- The policy aimed to phase out standalone B.Ed. programs that lacked a strong disciplinary foundation.
- The goal was to align teacher preparation with global standards by introducing a multidisciplinary teacher education model.
- Purpose of ITEP for Secondary-Level Teachers
- Holistic Teacher Preparation: Unlike traditional B.Ed. programs, ITEP combines academic learning and pedagogical training from the undergraduate level itself.
- Stronger Subject Expertise: Secondary school teachers need deep subject knowledge. ITEP ensures they develop expertise in a discipline while simultaneously learning educational theories, psychology, and teaching methodologies.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: The program allows prospective teachers to specialize in two teaching subjects, preparing them for the interdisciplinary curriculum recommended by NEP 2020.
- Early Exposure to School Environments: ITEP includes internships and classroom exposure from the first year, fostering a practice-based learning model.
- Competency-Based Teaching: Teachers trained under ITEP are equipped with innovative pedagogical methods to meet the learning needs of 21st-century students.
- Reference in NEP 2020
- NEP 2020, under Clause 15.5, mandates that by 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching should be a four-year integrated B.Ed. degree.
- Clause 15.6 emphasizes multidisciplinary institutions offering ITEP with subject majors and strong pedagogical grounding.
- Implementation and Regulatory Framework
- The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) governs the structure and curriculum of ITEP.
- Admission to ITEP is through the National Common Entrance Test (NCET), ensuring quality intake.
- It is being implemented in select central and state universities, IITs, and multidisciplinary institutions.
The ITEP for secondary education is designed to produce competent, well-rounded teachers who can engage in experiential and inquiry-based learning, aligning with the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) and NEP 2020 goals.
The Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) and traditional B.Ed. programs differ significantly in structure, objectives, and implementation, particularly in the context of NEP 2020 reforms.
| Feature | ITEP (Integrated Teacher Education Programme) | Traditional B.Ed. Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years (after 10+2) | 2 years (after a bachelor’s degree) |
| Entry Qualification | 10+2 (Higher Secondary) | Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc, BCom, etc.) |
| Mode of Admission | National Common Entrance Test (NCET) | State level combined Test |
| Curriculum Structure | Integrated disciplinary and pedagogical courses from the beginning | First degree (BA/BSc/BCom), then separate teacher training (B.Ed.) |
| Subject Specialization | Candidates specialize in two teaching subjects | Subject specialization depends on prior degree |
| Pedagogical Exposure | School internships and practical training start early (from 1st year) | School exposure is limited to the final year |
| Multidisciplinary Focus | Encourages interdisciplinary learning and holistic development | Mostly focuses on subject knowledge and teaching methodologies separately |
| Alignment with NEP 2020 | Fully aligned with NEP 2020’s vision of teacher training reform | Traditional, does not fully integrate NEP 2020 recommendations |
| Job Readiness | Graduates are classroom-ready with hands-on experience | Graduates get practical exposure before teaching |
| Regulatory Framework | Governed by NCTE, follows NCFTE 2023 | Also governed by NCTE, but follows older frameworks |
| Future Scope | NEP 2020 aims to phase out standalone B.Ed. and make ITEP the minimum requirement by 2030 | Standalone B.Ed. programs may become obsolete or get integrated |