The issue that has been raised by the Tamil Nadu Assembly in its recent resolution seeking exemption from TET for teachers recruited prior to 23rd August, 2010 is not an easy one Should experience in the teaching profession be considered sufficient, or do they have to pass an eligibility test as well? The House wishes to exempt these seasoned teachers from appearing in the TET exam. They have been in service for more than a decade now. These teachers joined the system under older rules.
Asking them to sit for a test meant for fresh recruits now feels unfair and stressful. Supporters believe real experience in the classroom cannot be measured by an exam alone. There is some truth in this. Suddenly changing the rules for people who have already given years of their life to teaching can create a lot of anxiety. It can also affect the smooth running of schools. Constant pressure of tests on experienced teachers may end up demotivating them. But the other side is equally important.
TET was brought in to make sure every teacher meets a minimum standard. Good education cannot depend only on how long someone has been teaching. Many students, especially those from poorer backgrounds, suffer when teachers lack basic skills. If a large group is completely exempted, it creates two different standards one for older teachers and another for new ones. That weakens the whole purpose of the test. A better way would be to find a middle path. Instead of full exemption, experienced teachers could be given special training or a simpler assessment.
Complete freedom from any evaluation sends the wrong message. It puts comfort ahead of accountability. Tamil Nadu has always been proud of its education system. Looking after teachers is necessary, but the quality of learning for children must come first. The Assembly’s resolution may bring relief to some teachers, but it should not come at the cost of long-term standards in our schools.
