Iran, Islamic Rep. of

Teachers, Teacher Education, and Professional Development

Teacher Education Specific to Mathematics and Science

Prior to 2002, the majority of teachers and educational staff in Iran received qualifications from the Ministry of Education’s Higher In-Service Education Center. Since 2002, universities and higher education institutes have offered in-service, long-term degree programs. Mathematics and science teachers complete one of two long-term teacher education courses or programs. These courses are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. Teacher education centers affiliated with the Ministry of Education’s Bureau of Scientific Promotion of Human Resources are post-secondary institutions that offer two year programs leading to an associate degree. Programs are available to high school graduates who have passed the national higher education entrance examination. Students receive housing for the duration of their program. Programs are offered in mathematics, science, physical education, social studies, primary education, Persian language and literature, internal affairs,^c Islamic and Arabic languages, art, and special education.^d Graduates of these programs are qualified to teach in primary or lower secondary schools.

Universities and higher education institutions offer four year teacher education programs leading to a bachelor’s degree. High school graduates who have passed the national higher education entrance examination are eligible to apply. Once admitted, students are required to take courses in pedagogy and educational psychology, along with specialized courses in their subject area.

Requirements for Ongoing Professional Development

To improve teacher knowledge and skills, the Ministry of Education’s Bureau for the Scientific Promotion of Human Resources has developed short-term courses and workshops, providing both general and specific educational content, to help teachers develop their knowledge and skills.

These courses are offered by different institutes for all Ministry staff, including teachers. The goal of short term training courses is to improve specific teacher and educational staff competencies. Some of these courses are compulsory, such as those for pre-employment training, training for promotion, and teacher education about regarding newly implemented policies. Teachers also are required to take computer literacy courses to advance their proficiency in technology.

The Curriculum Development Center and other offices also provide assistance and instruction to mathematics and science departments and teachers.