The Higher Education Review

Driven by the new reforms of the NEP 2020, India has witnessed a perceptible growth in awareness and investment in enhancing its teacher training and education. But, it was not always the case, as training the educators has long been regarded as the weakest link in the education system by multiple reports.

While there were various colleges back in the 2000s that offered courses to aspiring teachers, only a handful walked the extra mile in imparting unparalleled quality education, particularly in remote areas. The journey of one such institution, SCAD College of Education, stands as a perfect example.

Started in the academic year of 2006-2007, as the vision of a socialist couple and luminaries - Dr. S. Cletus Babu and Dr. J. X. Amali Cletus Babu — SCAD College of Education was established in the rural region of Cheranmahadevi in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. Since then, the college has been playing a pivotal role not just in raising the quality standards of teacher education but also in putting Cheranmahadevi and Tirunelveli on the global educational landscape.

“Multiple students have been educated at this institution and have shone in other countries. We are also dedicated to creating leaders who will go on to support their families,” shares Dr. A. Beaula, Principal, SCAD College of Education.

SCAD College of Education is one of the constituents of the SCAD Group of Institutions, an award-winning organization that is further a unit of the charitable trust, SCAD (Social Change and Development), founded and led by the couple. Prestigious awards and titles were conferred to Dr. S. Cletus Babu for his enormous service rendered in field of education and philanthropic activities, 'Best Social Entrepreneur Award (2007)' by Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, 'The Best Institution Award of Exemplary Service (2015)' by the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu

Dr. J. Jayalalitha, 'Abdul Kalam Seva Ratna Award (2015)' by Tibet’s Spiritual Leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and 'Education and Social Work Award 2016' by Capital Foundation of India New Delhi and delivered a speech on 'SCAD and it’s contributions to Humanity' in UN HQ, New York in 2014.

Walking in the same direction as its parent group to spearhead societal change, SCAD College of Education has emerged as the premier institute in the state of Tamil Nadu with its top-notch courses, state-of-the-art infrastructure amenities, and faculty. The campus is equipped with well-managed laboratories, a library, a hostel, a canteen, a sports center, and round-the-clock counseling and medical facilities.

Notably, the college is distinguished by its highly skilled faculties, each of whom possesses more than five years of experience and holds qualifications of M.Sc/M.A., M.Ed., NET, SET, or Ph.D. in education, as per the college’s mandate.

Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, Chennai, the college is a co-educational and residential institution that offers a two-year B.Ed. degree with a focus on equipping aspirants mainly in eight disciplines, such as Tamil, English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Biological Science, Commerce, Computer Science, and History. However, beyond academic excellence, the college equally prioritizes expanding the creative capabilities of its students.

For instance, the institute offers arts & crafts (SUPW), which encompasses over 50 intricate products like stitching and basket making. The MFA stream covering Bharatanatyam and drawing serves as an added advantage in assisting the students to acquire advanced knowledge in their skills, Opportunities provide to our students to interact with the international experts.

“Additionally, on every Wednesday, we conduct an hour of yoga classes, and Thursdays are reserved for psychology experiments, through which the students can become proficient in handling instruments,” adds Dr. A. Beaula. Students are also encouraged to be a part of clubs and committees, in addition to getting access to driving classes, archery classes, TNPSC,

TRB & TET coaching classes, and other valuable perks like value-added courses, self-study courses, physical education, and so on.

Emphasizing Practicality
The significance of hands-on training in learning the ropes of pedagogy cannot be overstated. SCAD College of Education believes in the same and has incorporated multiple ways to empower students to understand real-world teaching dynamics. Classrooms are designed to be flexible, allowing any learner-centric activity, be it regular classes, debates, or role-play enactment.

The same endeavor can also be exemplified by its MoUs with coveted colleges, from which experienced educators are invited to provide observation, coaching, and demonstrations. The students can also broaden their knowledge through department-wise field trips organized regularly.

"SCAD College of Education has emerged as the premier institute in the state of Tamil Nadu with its top-notch courses, state-of-the-art infrastructure amenities, & faculty"

The college has also adopted a school at Vellanguli Village, Tirunelveli leveraging numerous opportunities for its students to receive training as well as mentor the kids. The college has also conducted various public health and environmental campaigns, covering awareness programs about tree plantations, AIDS, and COVID-19 in the village, in turn uplifting the deep-rooted commitment of Dr. S. Cletus Babu and his organizations to aiding community development.

SCAD College of Education is also renowned for its campus recruitment, like its sister institute, Francis Xavier Engineering College, which is touted to be leading the placement records in Tamil Nadu. Guided under the aegis of illustrious professionals like Dr. S. Cletus Babu, SCAD College of Education boasts multiple accolades and wishes to continue realizing its motto, ‘to ignite the minds through quality education’.

Recognized by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the institute is currently looking forward to implementing NCTE’s new 4-year integrated course. Additionally, the college is also poised to launch an arts and sciences college in the academic year, 2024-2025.