KUANTAN: The introduction of a teacher wellbeing index, sponsored digital training sessions and special packages through the “Holiday Programme for Teachers” are among the slew of initiatives announced for teachers at the 53rd Teachers Day celebration today.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the initiatives were geared towards helping teachers embrace digital education and strengthen their wellbeing and quality of life.
She said the first initiative targeting 500 selected teachers will present them with the opportunity to participate in a technology empowerment course in artificial intelligence (AI) from cloud-based image editor Pixlr.
“The course worth RM1 million aims to increase teachers’ knowledge in AI and support the implementation of teaching and learning. Teachers will receive a special ‘AI Educator’ recognition certificate from Pixlr.
“For the second initiative, the ministry will work closely with Apple Professional Learning Specialists Malaysia to train and guide 100,000 teachers to be recognised as ‘Apple Teachers’.
“To recognise those who strive hard to adapt to current digital technology, 1,000 selected teachers will attend courses and receive a digital professional certificate, and they will be recognised as the Education Ministry’s ‘Guru Jauhari Digital KPM’,” she said at the 53rd Teachers’ Day national-level celebration here today.
Fadhlina said the fourth initiative was new packages under the “Holiday Programme for Teachers”, where educators will enjoy discounts for flight tickets, accommodation, land transport and theme parks.
“The special packages are offered through collaborations with strategic partners, including the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Transport Ministry and Malaysia Airlines. At Putrajaya Wetlands Park, not only the teachers, but their children will also enjoy discounts.
“The fifth initiative includes two grants worth RM10,000 each to write and publish about ‘Tokoh Guru Madani’ and ‘Tokoh Kepimpinan Madani’. The grants are offered to education service officers who meet the requirements set by the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books.”
Fadhlina said the final initiative was the development of a teacher wellbeing index to ensure teachers’ wellbeing was always maintained.
“The index represents the Madani government’s continuous commitment towards teachers who play an important role in educating the country’s future generation. The index will cover the entire ecosystem involving the teachers.
“The index will look into how the ministry can improve teachers’ wellbeing across various aspects, including health, needs, protection and efforts to further strengthen the teaching profession. The findings from the index will be tabled on May 16 next year,” she said.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today launched the national-level celebration, with the theme “Guru Jauhari Digital, Aspirasi Negara Madani”.
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