Teacher Educator Siddiqui takes over NCTE

New Delhi, Jun 12 (UNI) Prof Mohammad Akhtar Siddiqui, Dean and Professor, of Jamia Millia Islamia's Faculty of Education, today took over as Chairman of the National Council for Teacher Education.

This is the first time a professional teacher educator has assumed chairmanship of the 35-year-old agency set up to mind India's teacher education system.

Experts say India is not only short of teachers, quality is also an issue, compounded by absenteeism. Such issues become pronounced given the drive to universalise elementary education.

Speaking to UNI, Prof Siddiqui said his effort would be to see that the Council contributes to improving the image and the content of teacher education in the country.

He succeeds Dr Shardendu whose term ended in January.

Prof Siddiqui studied at Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Delhi, HP University, Shimla and Britain's Leeds University.

He has 30 years experience in teaching and research in Education and specialises in education of minorities and marginalised groups and educational administration.

Prof Siddiqui has worked as Director of the University Grants Commission Academic Staff College and Head of the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education.

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