Description

Innovations for the Sustainable Future
Editors: Dr. Neetu Chawla and Dr. Sangeeta Solanki
Published by Universal Academic Books Publishers & Distributors,
New Delhi (India), ISBN: 978-81-994586-4-2, 2026

Chapter 7

Empowering Educators for Sustainable Futures: The Role of NEP 2020 in Transforming Pre-Service Teacher Education for Quality and Sustainability

Dr. Sangeeta Solanki¹ and Soniya Chaudhary^2
1Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education (M.Ed), Ram Chameli Chadha Vishvas Girls College, Ghaziabad.
²Research Scholar (Edu.), CCS University, Meerut

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative shift in India’s educational landscape, placing teacher education at the heart of systemic reform. This paper explores how NEP 2020 redefines pre-service teacher training to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4—Quality Education. It examines the integration of sustainability principles into curriculum design, pedagogical practices, and institutional frameworks. Drawing on policy documents, academic literature, and case studies, the paper highlights the challenges and opportunities in embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into teacher preparation programs. It argues that empowering pre-service teachers with sustainability competencies is essential for fostering inclusive, equitable, and future-ready classrooms. The study concludes with recommendations for policy implementation, curriculum innovation, and capacity building to ensure that teacher education becomes a catalyst for sustainable development in India.

Keywords: NEP 2020, teacher education, sustainable development, SDG 4, pre-service training, ESD (Education for Sustainable Development), quality education, India

1. Introduction

It is often acknowledged that education is a key component of sustainable development. It creates inclusive societies, empowers individuals, and fortifies communities. Education is at the center of the global development agenda, according to the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. SDG 4 specifically demands that all people have access to inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education as well as opportunities for lifelong learning (UNESCO, 2020). According to this theory, teacher education, especially pre-service training, is crucial in determining how societies and educational systems will develop in the future.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India signifies a radical change in educational theory and practice. With a focus on ethics, environmental awareness, and global citizenship, NEP 2020 priorities immersive, holistic, and transdisciplinary learning (Ministry of Education, 2020). These ideas are in line with the objectives of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), which aims to enable students to make responsible decisions and take action for social justice, economic viability, and environmental integrity (UNESCO, 2020).