Cambridge University Press & Assessment has developed a pre-service professional development programme for teachers, which Pune-based Vishwakarma University will deliver as part of its commitment to transforming the community through education.
The Pre-Service Teacher Training Programme was officially launched on 18 February with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cambridge and Vishwakarma University. This marks the first of several new partnerships Cambridge is planning to enhance its pre-service training offer for teachers and complement its existing professional development courses.
The short-certificated (three to four-month) course is designed for fresh B.Ed graduates and aspiring educators. It will focus on enhancing capacity and capability building. Internship opportunities will also be offered as part of the course.
Arun Rajamani, Managing Director of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, South Asia, said:
At Cambridge, we believe the future of education lies in empowering educators, and investing in teachers is crucial for better learning outcomes. Our Pre-Service Teacher Training Programme is designed to equip educators with the tools to nurture inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, socio-emotional learning, and the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to support personalized learning. Cambridge has been consistently offering professional development programmes, which align with the vision of NEP 2020, and this initiative is another step towards further enhancing teacher capabilities.
Designed in line with NEP 2020 and research-based best practices, the certified course launched on 18 February will prepare new teachers for diverse and dynamic classrooms. It will provide participants with practical exposure and a robust foundation in pedagogy, ultimately benefiting the classrooms of tomorrow.
Bharat Agarwal, President of Vishwakarma University, stated:
This collaboration with Cambridge University Press & Assessment provides aspiring teachers with a unique opportunity to gain exposure to best practices in teaching and learning. Such initiatives contribute significantly to teachers’ professional development and enhance primary and secondary education standards.
The course offers a pathway to other teacher training programmes at a national and international level. The key areas to be covered include pedagogical skills and child development, lesson planning and assessment strategies, classroom management and student engagement, integrating technology and AI in teaching, and a holistic teacher role focusing on social-emotional learning and parent-community involvement. The new programme aligns with the dynamic needs of the educational landscape, ensuring that pre-service teachers are equipped to meet contemporary educational challenges.
Cambridge University Press and Assessment is a global assessment, education, research, and academic publication leader. It examines, collaborates, and innovates to discover new ways to disseminate knowledge, stimulate inquiry, and promote understanding. The institute assists people worldwide in realizing their full potential, which benefits society and the environment. Its goods and services inform action on some of the world’s most critical issues, such as climate change, and it is committed to decreasing its environmental impact.
