PATNA: Retirement may no longer mean a complete break from professional life for experienced teachers and government officials in Bihar. The state Education Department is preparing a proposal to allow retired professionals to teach students in government schools and help address the shortage of subject teachers.
The proposed initiative will not be limited to former teachers. Retired government officers with the required educational qualifications and subject knowledge may also be considered for teaching assignments.
The focus will particularly be on mathematics, science and English, subjects in which several government schools are reportedly facing a shortage of teachers.
School Principals to Identify Interested Retired Professionals
Under the proposed arrangement, school principals will play a key role in identifying suitable candidates in their respective areas.
They will contact retired teachers and government officials who are willing to return to classrooms, seek their consent and forward their names to the District Education Officer.
The candidates’ details will subsequently be sent to the Education Department for consideration and approval.
Direct Entry into Schools Will Not Be Allowed
The proposed system will involve an administrative approval process. Retired professionals will not be permitted to start teaching independently at a school without official authorisation.
The process is expected to involve the following steps:
- School principals identify interested and eligible retired professionals.
- Their consent and details are collected.
- The principal forwards the recommendation to the District Education Officer.
- The proposal is sent to the Education Department.
- Teaching responsibilities can be assigned after departmental approval.
Honorarium Under Consideration
The department is also considering preparing a list of retired professionals willing to offer their services in government schools.
An honorarium may be provided in return for their teaching services. However, the amount, eligibility requirements, duration of engagement and other terms have not yet been officially specified.
The proposal could also give retired professionals an opportunity to contribute to schools in their hometowns or districts after completing their careers.
Mathematics, Science and English to Be Priority Subjects
The initiative is being considered against the backdrop of subject-wise teacher shortages in several government schools.
By involving experienced professionals, the department aims to strengthen classroom teaching and provide students with better academic guidance.
Their experience could also help students prepare for competitive examinations and pursue higher education.
The proposal is still at the preparation stage, and further details regarding implementation, selection criteria and honorarium are awaited.
