The University of Sarajevo initiated the formation of the Network of interested parties in the education of teaching professions
The University of Sarajevo initiated the formation of the Network of interested parties in the education of teaching professions. At the Network founding meeting, held on 12 October 2023, were present Assistant Minister for Secondary and Adult Education Lamija Husić (Ministry of Education of Sarajevo Canton), Assistant Minister for Science Azemina Njuhović and expert advisor Elmedina Pandžić (Ministry of science, higher education and youth of Sarajevo Canton), director Senada Salihović, members of the Expert Council and senior associates of the Institute (JU Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of Sarajevo Canton). On behalf of the University of Sarajevo, the meeting was attended by Vice-Rector for Quality, Prof. Dr. Dušanka Bošković and Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Dženana Husremović, then representatives of seven faculties and academies of the University of Sarajevo: Faculty of Political Sciences, Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, Faculty of Philosophy, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Music, Faculty of Pedagogy and Faculty of Science.
The organizer of the first meeting, Vice-Rector for Quality, Prof. Dr. Dušanka Bošković explained the reasons for forming the Network as a working and advisory body at the University of Sarajevo with the primary goal of improving educational work in Sarajevo Canton. All those present highlighted the problem of the status of teachers and the reduction of the reputation of the teaching profession in society, which significantly affects the motivation of young people to opt for this profession.
The director of the Institute for the Development of Pre-University Education of the Canton of Sarajevo informed the attendees that the Institute, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education of the Canton of Sarajevo, is carrying out a curricular reform in pre-school institutions and primary and secondary schools in the Canton of Sarajevo, and pointed out the fact that 467 educators in the next four years are retiring.
All those present agreed that the formation of the Network could harmonize the activities of all parties in the process of curricular reform and ensure better cooperation between pre-university education institutions and the University, especially with those members who educate future teachers. The need to increase the visibility of this topic in the media was also highlighted.
Representatives of study programs for teaching professions discussed the problems and causes of the small number of students enrolled in teaching professions, as well as possible activities that would motivate and encourage students to opt for these studies. Assistants in the Ministry of Education of the Canton of Sarajevo and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of the Sarajevo Canton spoke at the constituent meeting, who welcomed the formation of a network of teaching professions and highlighted problems from the point of view of the ministries regarding enrollment in teaching faculties, as well as problems of compliance of these study programs with curriculum modernization in pre-university education.
