“Support for special education teachers and the development of an inclusive education system remain among the Georgian government’s top priorities. Our recent decision to establish the Department of Inclusion and Strategic Development, which has now begun operations within the central office of the Ministry, exemplifies this commitment,” stated Givi Mikanadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, during the closing event of the Regional Study Tour for Special Education Teachers project.

In his speech, Minister Mikanadze expressed gratitude to all those involved in the project and outlined the steps taken by the Ministry to advance inclusive education.

Mikanadze emphasised the importance of enhancing the qualifications of special education teachers, a goal supported by regional tours that enable educators to deepen their knowledge and gain valuable experience through collaboration with colleagues.

Since 2016, the Regional Study Tour for Special Education Teachers has been organised three times a year by the National Centre for Teacher Professional Development. Each tour selects 90 special education teachers from various regions, who gain practical experience in 10 public schools in Tbilisi under the supervision of experienced special education teachers from the host institutions.

The project is crucial for newly employed special education teachers who have little pedagogical experience.

According to the Ministry of Education, plans are underway to establish a local supervision system for special education teachers in the regions to ensure the long-term impact of the programme, alongside the creation of active professional clubs. These measures will promote the sharing of experience and help to enhance the quality of inclusive education across the country.

The closing event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth Tamar Makharashvili, Director of the National Centre for Teacher Professional Development Ekaterine Khutsishvili, participating teachers, and other distinguished guests.