BHUBANESWAR: The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education under the School and Mass Education Department has launched an orientation programme for newly appointed Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) serving in government higher secondary schools and government upgraded higher secondary schools across Odisha.
The programme, being held at IMAGE, Siripur, has brought together around 120 newly recruited teachers for capacity-building and professional development. The first phase of the training began on June 8 and will continue till June 12, while the second phase is scheduled from June 16 to June 20.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Director of Teacher Education and SCERT (TE&SCERT) Madhusmita Sahoo stressed the importance of nurturing problem-solving abilities among students and called upon teachers to provide effective academic guidance.
She said teachers play a key role in shaping responsible citizens and highlighted the need to strengthen teacher-student engagement.
Sahoo described higher secondary education as a crucial bridge between school and higher education and urged teachers to give special attention to students during this important stage of learning.
Director of Higher Secondary Education Niyati Pattnaik encouraged the newly appointed teachers to remain lifelong learners and continuously upgrade their knowledge and skills.
She said effective teaching demands continuous learning and expressed confidence that the orientation programme would help improve classroom practices and student learning outcomes.
Earlier, Joint Director Sasmita Mali outlined the objectives and scope of the induction training, while Deputy Director C.H. Vijayalakshmi coordinated the programme. Deputy Director Jitendra Kumar Nayak proposed the vote of thanks.
According to officials, the training programme covers a range of topics, including the National Education Policy 2020, use of Information and Communication Technology in education, Odisha Education Rules, operation of the SAMS and Shikshajyoti portals, the POSH Act, scholarship schemes, administrative responsibilities, examination and evaluation systems, and career guidance.
During the first phase, teachers from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Commerce streams are participating in the programme.
Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the professional competencies of newly appointed teachers and equipping them to contribute effectively to Odisha’s higher secondary education system.
