Bhubaneswar, June 8: Directorate of Higher Secondary Education under the School & Mass Education Department organized an orientation workshop for newly appointed Post Graduate Teachers (PGTs) serving in Government Higher Secondary Schools and Government Upgraded Higher Secondary Schools across Odisha.
The orientation programme, being held at IMAGE, Siripur, has brought together around 120 PGT teachers for capacity-building and professional development. The inaugural session was attended by Madhusmita Sahoo, Director, Teacher Education and SCERT (TE&SCERT); Niyati Pattnaik, Director, Higher Secondary Education; Sasmita Mali, Joint Director; C.H. Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Director; and Jitendra Kumar Nayak, Deputy Director.
Addressing the participants, Sahoo emphasized the importance of developing problem-solving skills among students and urged teachers to focus on providing effective guidance.
She highlighted that teachers play a crucial role in shaping responsible citizens and stressed the need to bridge the gap between teachers and students. Describing higher secondary education as a vital link between school education and higher education, she underscored the importance of giving special attention to students during this formative stage.
In her address, Pattnaik encouraged the newly appointed teachers to remain lifelong learners and continue updating their knowledge. She noted that effective teaching requires continuous learning and expressed confidence that the orientation programme would equip teachers with the skills needed to enhance student learning outcomes.
Earlier, Joint Director Mali delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives and scope of the Induction Training. Deputy Director Vijayalakshmi coordinated the programme, while Deputy Director Nayak gave vote of thanks.
The orientation workshop is being conducted in two phases. The first phase is scheduled from June 8 to June 12, while the second phase will be held from June 16 to June 20, 2026. During the first phase, 120 PGT teachers from Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Commerce disciplines are participating.
The workshop will cover a wide range of topics, including the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, Odisha Education Rules, operation of the SAMS and Shikshajyoti portals, the POSH Act, scholarship schemes, administrative responsibilities, examination and evaluation systems, and career guidance for students. Officials stated that the programme aims to strengthen the professional competencies of newly appointed teachers and prepare them to effectively contribute to the state's higher secondary education system.
