Difference Between Teacher Education and Teacher Training

The main difference between teacher education and teacher training is that teacher education is the part that comes before teacher training. But how to get started with both teacher education and teacher training programs? Read our in-depth guide to learn more.

What is Teacher Education?

Teacher education refers to the process where an individual chooses to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills required to become a qualified teacher. It involves both academic and practical training to equip aspiring educators with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to facilitate learning in students.

What are the eligibility criteria to become a teacher?

To become a teacher in India, you have to complete at least a B.Ed or Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Furthermore, you can complete an M.Ed (Master’s Degree in Education) to increase your chances of employment, especially if you wish to teach higher classes. To get into a bachelor’s program, you need to clear state and national-level examinations.

How to become a teacher?

Depending on the qualifications for teachers in schools, your skills, and your education levels, there are various pathways to becoming a teacher:

1. Pre-Primary School Teacher: If you’re interested in shaping young minds at the very start of their educational path, you can opt for a one-year Nursery Teachers Training (NTT) or a Diploma in Early Childhood Education (D.E.C.Ed.), which is a two-year program. Both options are ideal after completing your class 12th.
2. Primary School Teacher: If you aim to teach students in elementary school, you can pursue a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education (B.El.Ed.), a four-year degree, or choose between a two-year Elementary Teacher Education (ETE) program or a Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), which is also a two-year course.
3. Secondary School Teacher: To teach middle school or high school students, a Bachelor’s in Education (B.Ed.) degree is the way to go.
4. Senior Secondary School Teacher: For those looking to teach at the senior secondary level, you’ll need to earn a postgraduate degree in a subject you wish to teach along with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.).
5. Special Educator: If you’re drawn to working with children who have special educational needs, you have to pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) with a specialisation in Special Education.

What is Teacher Training?

While teacher education is the process of becoming a teacher, teacher training programs are designed for individuals who are already teachers. Here, they are taught knowledge, skills, and methods that are required to educate students. Teacher training programs include learning about teaching strategies, classroom management, lesson planning, and the psychological and developmental needs of students.

How is teacher training done?

Teacher training can be conducted through two routes: formal and informal. Formal teacher training programs are given through certifications or degree programs. While informal teacher training programs are done through on-site job experiences, workshops, or webinars.

What is the goal of teacher training programs?

The main aim of teacher training is to help teachers improve their abilities and stay up-to-date with the latest educational practices to provide the best learning environment for their students.

What Are The Types of Teacher Training?

Depending on the goals you want to achieve and at what stage of teaching you are, there are different types of teacher training programs. Let’s dive into the main ones:

1. Induction Training

   This is the basic teacher training program designed for new teachers. The induction training program gives an introduction to teachers regarding classroom management techniques, school policies, and mentorship from the senior teachers.

2. Professional Development Workshops

   With the help of professional development workshops, teachers can enhance their skills and upgrade their knowledge in specific areas like classroom management strategies, differentiated instruction, and technology integration.

3. In-Service Training

   The in-service teacher training program is meant for teachers who are already teaching but want to update their knowledge and skills. The activities in this program include conferences, seminars, and courses that mainly cover curriculum changes or new teaching methods. There are two types of teacher training programs for in-service teachers. These include:

   • DIKSHA Teacher Training Program: DIKSHA, short for Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing, is a forward-thinking platform developed by NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) to cater to the diverse needs of educators. For teachers, it is a treasure of professional development opportunities, offering a variety of teacher training programs and courses to help them expand their expertise and sharpen their skills.
   • NISHTHA: The National Initiative for School Headship & Teacher Training (NISHTHA) is a flagship program introduced by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Indian government. This ambitious initiative focuses on enhancing the quality of elementary education by empowering teachers with essential skills and knowledge through comprehensive training programs.

4. Mentorship Programs

   In the mentorship teacher training program, novice teachers are paired with experienced ones where they are guided, supported, and provided with necessary feedback on classroom management and teaching practices.

5. Peer Coaching

   Peer coaching in a teacher training program is a collaborative professional development strategy where teachers work together to support each other’s growth and effectiveness. The process involves teachers observing each other’s classroom practices, providing constructive feedback, and sharing insights to enhance teaching skills, strategies, and overall performance.

6. Online Training Courses

   Online teacher training programs are designed with flexibility in mind to let teachers dive into topics like educational technology, assessment techniques, and inclusive education at their own speed. These self-paced programs empower educators to learn what they need, when they need it, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

7. Subject-Specific Training

   This type of teacher training program is tailored to specific subjects, such as STEM education or language arts, and aims to deepen teacher’s subject knowledge and refine their teaching strategies.

8. Cultural Competency Training

   The cultural competency teacher training program is designed to help teachers navigate diverse classrooms by fostering an understanding of cultural differences and equipping them to promote inclusivity effectively.

9. Leadership Training

   In this teacher training program, teachers who are aiming to step into leadership roles within their schools, focus on developing essential skills like team management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning.

10. Behaviour Management Training

    The behaviour management teacher’s training program is aimed at providing teachers with strategies to manage student behaviour effectively. With the help of this teacher training program, teachers can address student’s behavioural issues and create a positive learning environment.

11. Technology Integration Training

    With the help of this teacher training program, teachers are empowered to seamlessly integrate technology into their teaching, covering the use of educational software and online resources to enhance learning experiences.

12. Assessment and Evaluation Training

    Lastly, this type of teacher training program is focused on developing effective assessment strategies to evaluate student learning outcomes and guide teaching practices.

Why are Teacher Training Programs Essential?

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping young minds. Hence, constantly being in touch with the latest teaching trends and technologies through teacher training programs can help them develop their knowledge and skills. Let’s explore why investing in this area is so important:

• Better Teaching, Better Learning: When teachers are well-trained, they’re equipped with the skills to make lessons more engaging, adapt to different learning styles, and connect with students on a deeper level. This results in classrooms where learning is not just effective but also enjoyable.
• Growth Beyond the Classroom: Education doesn’t stand still, and neither should educators. Ongoing teacher training programs help teachers stay ahead with the latest techniques, tools, and technologies. It’s about cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning, which, in turn, inspires students to do the same.
• Empowered Students, Brighter Futures: There’s a strong connection between teacher training and student success. When teachers implement innovative methods tailored to individual needs, students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Keeping Great Teachers Around: Teaching can be challenging, but offering opportunities for growth and skill-building makes the journey more fulfilling. Teachers who feel valued and supported are more likely to stay, creating a stable and nurturing environment for students.

How Schools Can Implement Teacher Training Programs?

Training is an important part of a teacher’s career development. While teacher education is the process that makes them professionally competent, teacher training programs ensure that they are well-equipped with the latest technology and practices in the educational field. An upgraded teacher in sync with all the latest developments in the educational field is a teacher every student deserves!

When it comes to teacher training programs, Extramarks’ Smart Class Plus is an AI-powered solution that reforms traditional classrooms into a digitally smart classroom. If you are thinking of transforming your classrooms to digitally enabled ways, we can help you by training your teachers to get accustomed to the technologically advanced system.

Last Updated on February 26, 2025