Mangaluru: St Ann’s College of Education (Autonomous) Mangaluru, commemorating its platinum jubilee, organized a day-long seminar for teacher educators of various BEd and DEd colleges on the topic ‘Challenges and Issues of Teacher Education and Professional Development’.

The intent of the seminar laid on building professional competencies among teacher educators through various informative sessions and to enrich their knowledge and strategies in teacher education programmes.

The programme began with a short inaugural function. Dr Dayanand Naik, associate professor, department of Political Science, University College and finance officer, Mangalore University was the chief guest. His message focused on ‘Education is not merely preparation for life but itself a life’. He appreciated the teacher educators for their matchless caliber in laying a strong foundation for education. Teacher educators are responsible in shaping the future teachers to mould the students into beautiful forms and structure, he said.

Three important sessions were conducted by Dr H V Vamadevappa, former principal and research guide, M M College of Education, Davangere on the topic ‘A Ranking and Accreditation Framework of NCTE for Teacher Education Institutions’. ‘ Dr Sr Clare on the topic ‘Challenges of Teacher Education and Teacher Accountability’, Dr Vjaya Kumari S N, associate professor and convener on the topic ‘Reflective Practices on Research activities in Teacher Education’ and Dr Flosy C D’Souza, associate professor on the topic ‘Service Learning in Teacher Education’.

Teacher educators from various colleges of education and teacher training institutions attended the seminar and acquainted themselves with new ideas and zeal for improvement. Laveena Reshma D’Sa and Dr Sharmila Mascarenhas, assistant professors, St Ann’s College of Education compered the programme. Dr Sr Clare, principal welcomed the gathering. Sr Ida Barboza, secretary, Apostolic Carmel Educational Society, St Ann’s Convent, Mangaluru was the chief guest for the valedictory programme and in her address spoke on how teacher educators need to be transformers in shaping the future teachers and also equip themselves with the attitudes, skills, tasks and abilities needed to function effectively in the classroom.