Shillong, November 27: The Directorate of Educational Research & Training (DERT), Meghalaya, today launched a six-month Certificate Course for the Foundational Stage aimed at in-service untrained teachers teaching from pre-primary up to Class II at DERT, Nongrimmaw, Laitumkhrah.
Speaking at the event, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui stressed the need for continuous training to keep pace with the rapidly evolving education system. “We need not only qualification, but also training. The education system today is very dynamic—we must be ready for any changes,” he said.
Rymbui highlighted DERT’s crucial role as the state’s nodal agency for teacher training, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s 1st September 2025 ruling making TET compulsory. He noted that alongside TET, teachers must also be adequately trained. “In these two years, if the Supreme Court does not review or modify its judgment, the government must find ways to support in-service teachers by training and making them qualified teachers. The role of the Education Department and DERT is very important,” he added.
Calling for a “mission-mode” approach, the minister acknowledged that the launch of this course was long overdue but appreciated the recent momentum, noting that two training courses had been introduced within the last month. He also expressed gratitude to the state Cabinet for approving the establishment of the Meghalaya Teachers Training Academy, which will work closely with DERT.
Rymbui underscored the need for continuous curriculum updates, revised teaching methodologies, and modern pedagogical approaches to keep pace with changing educational needs. Emphasizing the importance of preparing children for a technology-driven future, he said, “AI is the way forward. Whether we like it or not, we must integrate AI into the curriculum.” While acknowledging infrastructure limitations, he urged DERT to explore feasible ways of introducing AI concepts from Class III onwards.
He further shared that both he as education minister and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma are committed to transforming the education sector, ensuring that schools receive the required number of teachers based on their needs.
The event was attended by DERT Director R. S. Manners, Special Guest R. Rapthap, officials from the department, and other invitees. The minister formally launched the six-month Certificate Course on Foundational Stage for the Untrained In- service Foundation Stage teacher of Meghalaya during the programme.
