Want to make a difference through education? 4 reasons to do BEd

One of the most popular career paths in our country is the Bachelor of Education (BEd). With new schools opening every year, there is a constant demand for teachers. Consequently, the demand for BEd graduates is also increasing. The work opportunities that candidates get after completing their BEd are what attract students to pursue this programme.

Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at Apeejay Stya University-School of Education, who has been awarded by Microsoft Inc, Intel Inc and Sri Aurobindo Society, Delhi for Innovative Pedagogy, explained that the BEd programme is regulated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) under the Ministry of Education. It aims to develop critical skills, aptitude, and attitudes among graduates and postgraduates to become effective and efficient teachers. The National Education Policy 2020 also underlines the critical role of teachers in the quality education process.

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“Apeejay Education Society has a legacy of over 50 years of providing excellence in education. Apeejay Stya University is India’s first industry-centric technology and liberal arts university that focuses on research and innovation. It helps us make our teacher trainees future-ready, equipped with the skills of the 21st century”

–Dr Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor at Apeejay Stya University-School of Education

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“As per government regulations, only BEd or equivalent programme graduates can teach at government schools and schools receiving support from the government. Even schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) must have NCTE course graduates or qualified individuals as teachers. To further motivate BEd colleges and strengthen the course, NCTE has made it mandatory for BEd students to clear the Central Teachers Eligibility Test (CTET) before obtaining government jobs. Good private schools also prefer to employ CTET-qualified individuals as teachers,” Dr Kumar explained.

Advantage of pursuing MEd

While a BEd is a good course to pursue for teaching at a prestigious school, a MEd is even better for those who aspire to be principals or education officers. It is an advanced teacher education professional degree programme that instills skills required for senior or leadership positions. It also develops research skills among teachers using both quantitative and qualitative methods. 

Meeting global challenges

A BEd student learns about philosophical, sociological, psychological, and technological perspectives of education. The philosophical perspective of education helps trainee teachers understand different philosophical ideas relevant to the field, which aids in developing the ideology of a teacher as a philosopher.

“Philosophy and education are two sides of a coin – one is theoretical, the other practical. Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhiji applied their philosophies in educational institutes such as Shanti Niketan (Tagore) and Tolstoy Farm (Gandhiji) in South Africa,” Dr Kumar said.

Similarly, sociological perspectives of education help trainee teachers understand and appreciate the fact that learners come from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Respecting their culture and social values is important. Teachers with a good understanding of sociological perspectives of education do not discriminate against learners based on caste, class, race, sex, or religion.

“Technology has made our lives easier, and that is its main function. This was apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an enabler; it also enables a teacher to become a more effective and efficient teacher. Technological perspectives of education teach trainee teachers not only to use technology in education but also to integrate it beautifully into the process,” asserted Dr Kumar.

Where to study?

While there are several institutes to pursue a BEd, Apeejay Stya University-School of Education is a renowned institute. “Apeejay Education Society has a legacy of over 50 years of providing excellence in education. Apeejay Stya University (ASU) is India’s first industry-centric technology and liberal arts university that focuses on research and innovation. It helps us make our teacher trainees future-ready, equipped with the skills of the 21st century,” said Dr Kumar.

ASU’s BEd graduates are more than just teachers in classrooms; they are also facilitators. “Each trainee teacher gets a mentor who helps the learner become a better learner. Only a better learner can be a better teacher,” added Dr Kumar. He also emphasized that constant interaction with the academic-industry is another unique selling point of Apeejay School of Education.

Key reasons to pursue a BEd degree

Job Security: The demand for well-trained and qualified teachers in India remains high. As a BEd graduate, you have better job security compared to individuals without a teaching degree. With the growing emphasis on education and the need for quality educators, there is a consistent demand for teachers across the country.

Specialisation Options: BEd programmes in India offer various specialisation options, allowing you to focus on specific subjects or grade levels. You can choose to specialise in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, English, or Physical Education. Specialising in a particular subject can enhance your knowledge and make you more marketable in the teaching profession.

Government Job Opportunities: The government regularly conducts recruitment exams for teaching positions in schools and colleges. Holding a BEd degree is often a mandatory requirement to apply for these. Such positions often come with attractive benefits, including job stability, good salary packages, and additional perks.

Professional Development: A BEd degree equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the teaching profession. The curriculum includes theoretical foundations of education, pedagogical techniques, classroom management strategies, educational psychology, and practical teaching experience through internships. This holistic education prepares you to effectively engage with students and create a positive learning environment.