Teacher Preparation for Inclusive Education: The Role of Pre-service and In-service Training

Abstract

Inclusive education is the framework to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students. Teachers are the key agents in implementing inclusive education in actual classrooms. So the teacher preparation programs play an important role in imparting inclusive schooling. This article examines the significance of teacher training for the effective implementation of inclusive education. Pre-service teacher education should include practical exposure along with the theoretical knowledge, and it must focus on giving training in the areas of assistive technology, differentiated instruction, and integrating the possibilities of artificial intelligence. In-service teachers also need continuous professional development to address the classroom realities and requirements of students. The teacher in an inclusive classroom should have the ability to do curriculum adaptation, collaborative practices, and reflective teaching for providing accessible learning experience to students. This article also highlights the importance of integrating inclusive education across the curriculum, strengthening school–teacher education institution partnerships, providing hands-on experience with inclusive tools and strategies, teacher training in inclusive schools and special schools, training for using assistive technologies, and professional learning communities. It also aims for systematic strengthening of both pre-service and in-service teacher training programmes for the effective implementation of inclusive education.