TEACHER TRAINING

Initial Teacher training
The pedagogy of inclusive education is not an organic part of initial teacher training in Hungary. Training courses on the education of pupils with special educational needs are organised within special education studies – occasionally as part of a training programme on inclusive education or a training programme leading to additional qualifications. Certain teacher training institutions are open, and there are initiatives for familiarising pupils with the pedagogy of inclusion. However, there is no uniform training module, incorporated in teacher training, which would acquaint teacher trainees with the competencies that can facilitate successful inclusion.

The programme package being developed for initial teacher training includes fundamental professional, theoretical information and methods, procedures, techniques, therapeutic activities, educational and legal background, all this viewed from the aspect of special educational needs and presenting characteristic specialities.

In-service teacher training

All teachers participating in realising inclusive education find themselves in new situations, where their competencies and good practices cannot fully meet the special requirements of development. Mainstream teachers and special education teachers constitute the target group of in-service training programmes. The special education teachers have to use their competences in situations in which they have no experience, and that is why the exchange of information and experiences in professional co-operation is of utmost importance for them.