JKESWA President Asiya Iqbal backs the J&K Assembly’s TET resolution and calls for broader ways to assess teachers’ performance and contribution. (Images: Dynamite News)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Employees Social Welfare Association (JKESWA) President Asiya Iqbal has welcomed the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s move on the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET), arguing that a teacher’s professional competence cannot be judged through a single examination alone.
The J&K Assembly adopted a resolution on September 24 urging the Union Government to amend the Right to Education Act and exempt teachers appointed before October 31, 2019, from appearing for the TET. The resolution was moved by Education Minister Sakina Itoo.
Iqbal said teachers are capable of clearing examinations, but maintained that their overall contribution to education goes far beyond their performance in a single test. She pointed to the wider role of teachers in shaping students and preparing them for careers across different fields. According to her, the contribution of teachers should be assessed in a broader professional context rather than being linked only to examination performance.
While acknowledging the importance of accountability, Iqbal suggested that teacher performance could also be assessed through multiple parameters. She cited classroom performance, student learning outcomes, professional training, attendance, institutional performance and feedback from parents as possible indicators that could provide a more comprehensive picture of a teacher’s work.
Iqbal also highlighted the challenges faced by government teachers, saying that many aspects of their daily work are not visible outside the classroom. Teachers work with students who have different abilities, learning needs and personal circumstances, she said, adding that their responsibilities extend beyond delivering lessons to supporting the overall development of children.
Iqbal said education cannot be the responsibility of teachers alone and called for greater involvement from parents. She emphasised that a child's development requires cooperation between parents, teachers, educational institutions and the government. According to her, problems arising in a child's home environment cannot always be addressed by teachers inside the classroom.
Instead of allowing the TET debate to dominate the discussion around teachers, Iqbal said attention should also be given to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir's broader education system. She highlighted areas such as teaching methods, curriculum, classroom practices, infrastructure, technology and student support as areas that require continuous improvement.
Iqbal also appreciated Education Minister Sakina Itoo for raising the TET issue in the Assembly. She said the matter should not be viewed as a confrontation between the government and teachers.
The focus, she said, should remain on improving education and ensuring the overall development of children. She called for greater consultation between the government and the teaching community while stressing that institutional support is essential for meaningful educational reforms.
