Maharashtra launches initiative to honor ‘idol teachers’ and ‘idol schools’

Recognizing the need to spotlight excellence in the education system, the Maharashtra school education department has rolled out a new initiative aimed at identifying and celebrating schools and educators who set high benchmarks in teaching and learning.

Those selected will be honored as ‘idol teachers’ and ‘idol schools,’ and their expertise will be actively used to shape state-level education policies and training initiatives.

A government resolution (GR) issued on April 21 outlines the objectives and structure of the initiative, which is designed to encourage quality education by leveraging the experience and success of outstanding teachers and institutions.

Through this effort, the government hopes to showcase innovative practices and inspire wider adoption of such models across the state.

According to the education department, the evaluation criteria for ‘idol teachers’ and ‘idol schools’ include the use of creative teaching methods, effective implementation of government schemes like ‘Chief Minister My School’ and ‘Sundar School,’ and active involvement in extracurricular activities.

Additional factors include teacher conduct, student attendance, scholarship program participation, and efforts to support higher education.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse explained the multi-tiered selection process: "To ensure a structured and transparent selection, committees have been established at three levels—taluka (block), district, and state. At the taluka level, the committee will include the group education officer, faculty members from the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), education experts, two cluster heads, and an extension officer.”

“The district-level committee will be chaired by the district collector and will include the chief executive officer, DIET principal, primary and secondary education officers, and education experts. At the state level, the committee will be led by the commissioner of education and will include senior officials and experts from the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT),” Bhuse added.

“However, this initiative is not limited to recognition alone. Beyond recognition, the government plans to integrate these ‘idol teachers’ and ‘idol schools’ into key educational programs. SCERT and other agencies have been instructed to appoint idol teachers as master trainers, Bhuse continued.

“Additionally, visits to idol schools will be organized to facilitate peer learning. Teachers and other active members from these schools will be engaged as teaching mentors in municipal schools. Their work will be documented through videos and reports by SCERT and DIET, and their contributions will be highlighted in educational seminars and conferences," Bhuse said.

In addition, the department plans to compile a 'bank of idol schools'—a curated list of model institutions demonstrating best practices in school education.

These schools will act as regional hubs for learning and innovation, contributing to future educational reforms and serving as resource centers for other schools.

By embedding grassroots excellence into the larger education system, Maharashtra is taking a forward-looking approach to ensure that every student has access to effective, inspiring, and high-quality learning.