41 percent teachers teaching mathematics in schools did not study this subject at graduation level

Up to 41 percent of the mathematics teachers in the schools of the country are those who themselves have not studied mathematics at the graduation level.

This has been revealed in the report released by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). The report named ‘The Right Teacher for Every Child’ is based on a survey conducted in eight states of the country. These include Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Bihar, Assam, Mizoram, Karnataka and Telangana.

According to the report, 35 to 41 percent of mathematics teachers in both government and private schools did not have mathematics as a subject at the graduation level, yet They are teaching mathematics to children. 3615 teachers from 422 schools, 422 head teachers, 68 teacher education institutions, 1481 student teachers studying in B.Ed and 268 teacher educators were included in the survey.

Recently, in the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) of Pratham Foundation, an education-focused non-profit organization, it was stated that many students in the age group of 14 to 18 years are not able to solve mathematics problems of class three. Expressing concern over the vacant posts of teachers in schools, the TISS report said that maximum 35 percent posts of mathematics teachers are lying vacant. 31 percent posts of English teachers and 30 percent posts of regional language teachers are vacant.

According to the report, due to irregular recruitment in government schools and poor employment conditions in private schools, teaching work is being adversely affected. In private schools of many states, 50 percent of teachers are teaching who do not have any written contract for their services. Padma M. Sarangpani, President of TISS and the main author of the report, said that based on the report, it can help in formulating the policy of demand and supply of teachers.

Highlights of the report:

1. 35 percent posts of mathematics teachers are vacant in government and private schools.

2. Shortage of physical teachers in 36 percent government and 65 percent private schools. The shortage of art and music teachers is the biggest.

3. Only 46 percent of teachers in primary schools in 8 states have adequate professional qualification.