The Government has pledged to enhance the training programmes for both pre-service and in-service teachers in order to produce more qualified teachers. The Education Ministry, according to Minister of Education Datuk Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, would also ensure that the selection of teacher trainees be improved, where they will now be selected not only based on academic competency but also on qualities required of would-be teachers.

Datuk Hishammuddin cited that emphasis is placed on qualities which the individual possess apart from academic qualifications that they are equipped with, because only teachers of high calibre would be able to produce quality students.

In addition, the Minister added that for the government to achieve its target of having 50% graduate teachers in primary schools and 100% in secondary schools by 2010, the Ministry has to increase the number of teachers in the DG 41 level (in the Management and Professional Group of the National Remuneration System). He continued saying that the Ministry will also continue to improve working conditions of teachers and the infrastructure in schools.

In recognition of contributions made by teachers, the teacher to student ratio will be reduced so as to ensure that they work in a conducive teaching environment while better incentives for teachers will also be reviewed and looked into. Datuk Hishammuddin concluded that teachers should be held in high regard as they shoulder huge responsibility in imparting knowledge to all learners concerned and ultimately, creating future generations who will take leadership roles and bring the country to attaining greater achievements.

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