AKU-IED holds a Policy Dialogue on Teacher Status

On October 27, 2007, a policy dialogue on Teacher Status was held at Aga Khan University - Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), Karachi. Mrs. Fakhr-e-Karim, Executive District Officer, Education, City District Government, Karachi, was the Chief Guest at the event. This was a follow-up of a national research symposium on Teacher Status held in February 2007, which engaged researchers, practitioners and academicians in deliberation on issues regarding teacher status. Outcomes of symposium recommended that a policy dialogue on the topic be held to further unpack and take into account many of the issues highlighted in the symposium which pertain to the status of teachers and the teaching profession in the country.

In his welcome address, Dr Muhammad Memon, Director AKU-IED, stated that teacher status is multi-dimensional issue and it has to be studied through varied lenses. He stressed that in addition to professional or financial perspective, the issue also need to be further investigated from socio-psychological, philosophical, and intellectual perspectives, because these dimensions are equally important and interlinked with the status of teachers. He felt that the role of teachers is of key transformers of society and creative drivers of positive change and added that high priority should be given to teachers' professional development, research into teacher status and its implications for policy. He said that AKU-IED has also been promoting the role of teachers' networking and a number of vibrant professional teacher associations have been formed, which are creating a wider impact on teacher learning and awareness for continuing professional development of teachers and has potential to contribute to enhancing their status. Dr Memon hoped that the public and private sectors will work closely to come up with viable solutions to be recommended to the policy makers and others.

Dr Anjum Halai, Associate Professor and Head Research and Policy Studies, who was also the Convenor of the policy dialogue, explained the significance and need for engaging in issues pertaining to teacher status. She pointed out that by 2009, there will be about 6-7 million additional children needing enrolment in primary level schools and it is the teachers who will be responsible for their schooling. Hence, the quality of the teaching force and not just the quantity becomes important.

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Fakhr-e-Karim, Executive District Officer, Education, City District Government, Karachi, addressing the audience highlighted the role of teachers in preparing students as enlightened and active citizens to meet today's increasingly challenging times. Stressing on the need to balance teaching learning processes through curriculum and co-curricular activities, she advised the teachers need to take self-responsibility for enhancing their skills and knowledge and look for opportunities to upgrade themselves as professionals on an ongoing basis.

Mrs. Siddiqui emphasized that there is a great need for forums for stakeholders in education who can work together and deliberate on the policy directions to improve the status of teachers in Pakistan. She thanked AKU-IED for organizing the policy dialogue for the revival of status of teachers. Appreciating AKU-IED's contribution to the field of education in the country, Mrs Siddiqui said that the higher education institutions can learn from the experience of AKU-IED which has developed an enabling structure to initiate, support, sustain and reward quality endeavours in research and scholarship.

Two eminent scholars/academics delivered keynote addresses on teacher status from their perspectives. These included Professor R. Govinda, Professor, Naitonal University of Educational Planning and Administration, New Dehli, India, and Ms Bela Jamil, Chairperson, Idara-e-taleem-o-Aagahi, Lahore. The key note speakers shared their perspectives on how the role of teachers has evolved through ages and the challenges that they face in today's rapidly changing world.

The policy dialogue highlighted the issue of the status of teachers in Pakistan, identified a set of questions and issues for further research and deliberation, which would put forward policy recommendations.

Keynote Speech by Professor R. Govinda