US Consulate Kolkata partners with WB school education department to train teachers

Around 25 teachers from government and government-aided schools across eight districts of West Bengal participated in a special training programme organised by the US Embassy in New Delhi to enhance English-teaching ability of teachers working in schools run by the state government.

The TESOL Core Certificate Programme (TCCP) was organised by the US Embassy in partnership with TESOL International, an organisation that works in the field of English-language teaching.

This is the first time the US Consulate Kolkata is directly working with the West Bengal School Department on a training programme to engage teachers who can share the learnings with their peers and implement the best practices in their classrooms.

The TCCP is an intensive 140-hour, English language teacher training programme. The participants will learn cutting-edge, research-based teaching strategies. Upon graduation, they will be better equipped to guide fellow teachers in creating student-centred, critical thinking classrooms that provide students with the English language proficiency and 21st-century skills envisioned by India’s National Education Policy.

Through these courses, the US Embassy aims to support state governments in the professional development of a cohort of teachers who can support the professional development of other teachers in their state.

This model has worked very successfully in Delhi, which now has a cohort of about 200 mentor teachers supporting 10,000 English teachers, who in turn enhance the English capacity of 2.2 million Delhi students.

At the launch ceremony, the US Mission’s minister counsellor for public affairs, Gloria Berbena, joined president of TESOL International Gabriele Kleckova in welcoming the participants.

“We strongly believe that English is a vital tool for students to access higher education, enhance their employment opportunities, and fulfil their dreams. Teachers play a critical role in this endeavour and in shaping the future of this country,” said Barbena .

The US government funds English teacher education, language proficiency, and professional development programmes through Regional English Language Offices at the US embassies and consulates around the world.