Iran Finalizes New Merit-Based Teacher Ranking System for Educational Advancement
Tehran – The Iranian Ministry of Education has announced the finalization of a new, comprehensive teacher ranking system, set to be implemented from the third week of October 2024. This new regulation, which replaces the previous framework, is designed to enhance educational quality through structural reforms and a stronger emphasis on professional performance.
Announced by Ministry Spokesman Ali Farhadi, the policy has been developed to address shortcomings in the former system and elevate the overall standard of the national education sector. Following review by the government’s Commission for Management and Human Capital, and after a joint working group from the Ministry of Education, the Administrative and Employment Affairs Organization, and the Planning and Budget Organization resolved outstanding questions, the final bylaw is slated for cabinet approval by late October.
A New Framework for Professional Development
The new system introduces several key changes to the professional trajectory of educators:
- Streamlined Entry: New teachers holding a bachelor’s degree will be automatically granted the rank of “Educational Instructor,” simplifying the initial entry process.
- Performance-Based Promotion: Current teachers who have completed a stabilization period (4 years in rural or 5 years in urban areas) will be evaluated for promotion based on the new criteria.
- Specialized Evaluation Boards: Assessment will be carried out by specialized boards at the national and provincial levels, comprising educational and training deputies to ensure a pedagogical approach.
Focus on Quality and Standards
A central pillar of the new bylaw is its shift towards a quality-oriented model, mirroring the promotion system for university faculty to ensure transparency and standardization.
“Quality of performance alongside academic qualifications is the main focus of this bylaw,” emphasized Spokesman Farhadi. The Ministry’s Human Resources Center will oversee the implementation of the evaluations.
Key Implementation Timeline
The new teacher ranking system is scheduled to take effect from October 20, 2024. It will apply to all new teachers and those eligible for rank promotion. The Ministry highlights that this initiative represents a significant step towards standardizing and enhancing the quality of the national educational system. For further details, educators are directed to the official website of the Ministry of Education.