Who we are
Welcome to the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development
The South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD) is a UNESCO Category 2 Centre located in Meepe, Sri Lanka. Established under the auspices of UNESCO and the Government of Sri Lanka, SACTD is committed to enhancing teacher education across South Asia. Our mission aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, focusing on inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.
Why work with us
Strategies – Key Results Area…
SKRA 1: Education, Training and Development
Goal 1: Improved quality of Teacher Training and Development
Goal 2: 12,000 teacher trainers, mentors and counsellors be trained by end of 2027
SKRA 2: Research on Teacher Development and Training
Goal 3: New knowledge and dissemination of the new knowledge on Teacher development and training.
SKRA 3: Curriculum Development and Text Book Writing
Goal 4: Improved access to new curriculum and Text books on teacher development
SKRA 4: Open Distance Learning and Repository Services
Goal 5: Increased access to knowledge and skills to teacher trainers on open distance learning modes
Goal 6: Improved repository services to teacher trainers, policy makers and other stakeholders
SKRA 5: SACTD Centre of Excellence and Brand Building
Goal 7: Autonomy of SACTD and Brand Building:
Increased recognition and acceptance of SACTD by the educators in SAARC countries, the respective Governments and public sectors, educators, the teacher trainers and public.
Upcoming Events and Programms
Partnership with Sri Lanka UNESCO National Commission | Integration of UNESCO Greening Curriculum guidelines.
Workshops on environmental education. | Certification program launch.
Activities: Participant invitations.SEL program implementation.Program monitoring and impact evaluation.
Activities: Tool development and sample identification. Survey implementation and result dissemination.
Activities: Development and finalization of survey tools.
Sample identification with Ministry of Education assistance.
Survey implementation and dissemination of results.
Activities: Development and finalization of survey tools.
Sample identification with Ministry of Education assistance.
Survey implementation and dissemination of results.
Activities: Appointment of AB members based on an approved composition and roles document.
Identification and invitation of prominent South Asian education experts for RAP.
Inaugural meeting to outline priorities and responsibilities.
Development of frameworks for research, training programs, and publications.
Activities: Design and refinement of survey tools in line with international best practices.
Collaboration with foreign missions for data collection.
Analysis of survey data and publication of a comprehensive report with recommendations.
Strategic Focus of SACTD
The SACTD should be the Centre of Excellence in Teacher-Trainer Development and Teacher Training in Asia so that it becomes:
An exemplar of and benchmark for developing and grooming teachers
Trend setter in teacher development
Setter of Teacher Training Quality Standards
Effective and exemplar change leader
One of the lead partners in the child development, education and human development.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Milestones
A Journey of Advancing Teacher Education Across South Asia
Since its inception in 2014, the South Asian Centre for Teacher Development (SACTD) has been at the forefront of transforming teacher education in the region. Explore the milestones that have shaped our journey and strengthened our commitment to quality, equity, and collaboration in education.
2025 – Vision for the Future
With a roadmap to 2027, SACTD continues to expand its impact, aiming to become a global model for teacher development, upholding integrity, cooperation, and educational excellence across South Asia.
Launch of SERSA
The first edition of SERSA is introduced, creating a regional platform for academic collaboration, mentorship, and educational research dissemination.
Monitoring & Evaluation Frameworks Introduced
SACTD implements comprehensive tools to track the impact of teacher development programs and shares findings in regional policy briefs.
Innovation in Teacher Development
New programs launched in media literacy, social-emotional learning, and digital citizenship, focusing on holistic teacher growth and student well-being.
Strengthening Regional Cooperation
SACTD hosts the South Asian Roundtable on Teacher Education, enhancing regional coordination and shared educational goals among member states.
Transition to Hybrid Learning Models
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, SACTD pioneers online teacher training modules, supporting thousands of educators across the region to adapt to remote teaching.
Research and Publication Drive
SACTD launches its Educational Research Unit, supporting action research and teacher-led publications to strengthen evidence-based practices in classrooms.
Advocacy & Policy Dialogue
Becomes a platform for policy dialogue by hosting education forums and consultative meetings with regional governments and UNESCO representatives.
Capacity Building Initiatives Expand
SACTD rolls out national and provincial-level teacher capacity building programs in Sri Lanka, emphasizing classroom innovation and 21st-century skills.
Launch of Regional Training Programs
The Centre conducts its first regional training workshops on inclusive education and digital pedagogy, attracting teacher educators from five South Asian nations.
Regional Partnerships Begin
SACTD is formally established in Meepe, Sri Lanka, as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre under the Ministry of Education, marking a historic step in regional teacher development.
The Centre conducts its first regional training workshops on inclusive education and digital pedagogy, attracting teacher educators from five South Asian nations.