[MEXT] Release of the Interim Summary on the Ideal State of Teaching Courses, Recruitment, and Training of Teachers

On October 5, 2022, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) released the Interim Summary on the "ideal state of teacher-training courses, recruitment, and training of teachers who will be responsible for 'Japanese-Style School Education in the Reiwa* Era – The Realization of a 'new way of teachers' learning' and building a high-quality group of teaching staff with diverse expertise."

*Reiwa is the current era of Japan's official calendar

This interim summary is the result of discussions conducted by the Basic Issues Committee of the "Special Division of Teachers Responsible for 'Japanese-Style School Education in the Reiwa Era' established under the Central Council for Education.

The summary proposes the following reforms based on the three directions outlined in the General Comments of the interim summary: the realization of a "new way of teachers' learning, the formation of a high-quality group of teaching staff with diverse expertise, and the development of stable and reliable pool of teachers in light of the diversification of applicants for teaching positions:

1. New image of teachers responsible for "Japanese-style school education in the Reiwa era" as well as qualities and competencies required of teachers

  • Reorganization of qualities and competencies required of teachers
  • Shift to teacher-training courses that emphasizes the interaction between theory and practice

2. Formation of a high-quality group of teaching staff with diverse expertise

  • Developing teachers with diverse specialties in the teacher-training courses
  • Consideration of how recruitment of teachers should be in order to secure excellent human resources
  • Measures to incorporate human resources with diverse expertise and backgrounds into the teaching profession
  • Clarification and systematic development of school principals and other managers, as well as their required competencies

3. How teacher's licenses should be

  • Dissolution of the teacher license renewal system and upgrading of teacher-training
  • Measures based on the ideal state of teacher licenses in view of the nine years of compulsory education

4. How teacher-training colleges/faculties and graduate schools of teacher education should be

  • Upgrading and strengthening the functions of teacher-training colleges/faculties and graduate schools of teacher education
  • Establishment of a system to support reflection on learning
  • Establishment of a supportive environment for teachers, including diverse work styles

In relation to special needs education, in "(3) Shift to teacher-training courses that emphasize the interaction between theory and practice" of "1. Reorganization of qualities and competencies required of teachers," the following is included:

  • Enrichment of school field experience that contributes to enhancing special needs education and utilizing "nursing care experience"

It is expected that the educational training, school experience activities, and "caring experiences" in the teacher-training courses will yield opportunities for activities at special-needs schools, special-needs classes, and resource rooms (Tukyu) to deepen the students' understanding of children with special needs" in the teaching subjects.

For more information, please visit the website below:
https://www.mext.go.jp/b_menu/shingi/chukyo/chukyo16/mext_01239.html

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