For the first time since its establishment in 2010, the Indian Institute of Teacher Education (IITE) has revamped its academic structure by introducing seven new schools aimed at promoting interdisciplinary and flexible learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The new structure will allow students to study subjects across different streams. For example, science students will now be able to take courses in areas such as philosophy or artificial intelligence along with their main subjects.
The seven newly created schools focus on fields including sciences and mathematics, humanities and social sciences, physical education and yoga, performing and fine arts, commerce and management, technology and AI, and special education.
IITE Director Mehul Dave said the institute is also planning specialised programmes to train educators in artificial intelligence, as AI is becoming increasingly important in schools and higher education. The expansion is expected to widen the scope of teacher education beyond traditional BEd programmes by including areas such as theatre, sports coaching, digital learning and training.
To support the expansion, the Gujarat government has approved Rs 127 crore for infrastructure development. Officials said the new schools will encourage interdisciplinary research and create more PhD opportunities in fields such as educational leadership, humanities and sports education.
IITE’s New Schools:
- School of Education in Sciences and Mathematics
- School of Education in Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Physical Education, Sports and Yoga
- School of Education in Performing Arts and Fine Arts
- School of Education in Commerce, Management and Educational Leadership
- School of Education in Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Areas
- School of Special Education