Pune: Maharashtra To Honor Top Teachers And Schools With “Idol Teacher” And “Idol School” Awards
Pune, 21st April 2025: In a bid to recognize and motivate teachers delivering quality education across the state, the State School Education Department has decided to select “Idol Teachers” and “Idol Schools.” Additionally, a database of “Idol Schools” will be created, and these exemplary teachers and schools will be involved in the department’s various initiatives.
The State School Education Department recently issued a government resolution regarding this initiative. The aim is to encourage teachers and schools that provide quality education and to leverage their experiences for the benefit of students and parents. Under this initiative, schools will be evaluated based on various criteria, including their activities, innovative teaching methods, implementation of government policies, and roles in programs like ‘Chief Minister’s My School’ and ‘Beautiful School’.
The selection process for “Idol Teachers” and “Idol Schools” will be based on multiple factors, such as the teaching methods of the teacher, student attendance, scholarships, involvement in arts, sports, cultural activities, and higher education. A committee will be set up to assess the teachers and schools against these criteria.
The department also plans to involve “Idol Teachers” and “Idol Schools” in its operations. To this end, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and other institutions will invite “Idol Teachers” to serve as “Master Trainers.” Visits to “Idol Schools” will be arranged, and their teachers and active members will be included in municipal school teacher-training programs. The work of “Idol Teachers” and “Idol Schools” will also be documented and promoted through various mediums, including photographs and records, with dissemination by the SCERT, District Education and Training Institutes, and other bodies. These educators will also be invited to present at conferences and seminars.
For the selection of “Idol Teachers” and “Idol Schools,” committees will be formed at three levels: taluka, district, and state. At the taluka level, the committee will consist of the Block Education Officer, District Educational Trainer, Education Experts, two Center heads, and Extension Officers. At the district level, the committee will include the District Collector, Chief Executive Officer, Principals of District Educational Institutions, and Primary and Secondary Education officers, along with two education experts and a senior trainer. The state-level committee will be chaired by the Education Commissioner and will include the director of SCERT, two education experts, the director of Primary and Secondary Education, and assistant directors from SCERT.
