Teachers Development Workshop Empowers Innovation Champions in Sikkim

From May 26 to 26–31, 2025, a six-day residential Teachers Development Workshop was held at the SCERT Campus, Gangtok. Organised by SCERT Sikkim in collaboration with IISER Pune, the workshop brought together 109 teacher participants—including representatives from all 34 blocks across six districts—as well as DIET faculty and B.Ed College representatives. This initiative, aligned with NEP 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework, emphasised inquiry-based, experiential learning approaches to improve STEM teaching. The workshop featured 25 sessions (totalling 50 hours), with topics ranging from differentiated instruction and collaborative learning to classroom management and lesson planning.

An MoU was signed between SCERT Sikkim and IISER Pune, formally launching the iRISE programme in the state. The Hon’ble Education Minister, Shri Raju Basnet, graced the event and expressed strong support for the initiative. The inaugural session included addresses by Dr Rabin Chhetri (Director, SCERT) and Dr Shanti Ram Adhikari (Joint Director, SCERT), emphasising innovation in pedagogy.

Sessions included hands-on lesson planning, peer feedback, and role-plays for classroom management. A special focus was placed on equipping teachers to cascade these strategies through future training in their districts.

The valedictory session on May 31 was attended by Chief Secretary Shree R. Telang, IAS, who applauded the educators' role in nurturing scientific temper. Reflections by participating teachers revealed renewed motivation and readiness to implement student-centred teaching practices.

This workshop marks a significant step forward in reimagining STEM education in Sikkim through empowered, research-driven teaching professionals.