Pearson, the global leader in educational resources, has announced a significant agreement with the Indonesian Ministry of Education to achieve their objective of providing English instruction in every school by 2027. In collaboration with local partner PT Chandra Naya Laksana, Pearson will deliver comprehensive online and AI-enhanced training and assessment to over 180,000 of Indonesia's approximately 220,000 registered English language teachers over the next six years.
"We are delighted to be awarded this honor and responsibility to ensure the next generation of Indonesians have the skills to compete in a global marketplace", said Pearson Indonesia Country Head, Jason Polim. "English is a gateway to the world. More than 140 countries include English as a mandatory subject in their national curriculum. It is indispensable in the workplace, making English a vital part of closing the skills gap globally".
"As the fourth most populous country with 250 million people, including 82 million under the age of 18, Pearson commends Indonesia for making a substantial investment in English language education to enhance employment outcomes and drive economic development", he added. Pearson kicks off the ambitious project this month by helping recruit and train 200 Ministry of Education master trainer contractors who will train the first tranche of 15,000 teachers this year, and 30,000 teachers each following year.
Each teacher will complete the Versant English language proficiency test both before and after their training to establish benchmarks and track progress. Versant tests assess various language skills and competencies using advanced AI technology, enabling secure, unbiased testing that provides quick insights into language proficiency anytime and anywhere.
Based on the results of the Versant assessment, teachers will be assigned to either proficiency or pedagogy training programs, utilizing Pearson's digital learning resources, Roadmap and The PTEL Academy Certificate in English Language Teaching Development. Master trainers will then conduct the Pearson training online, ensuring access for teachers across Indonesia's more than 17,000 islands.
"As we will see through the Versant test, teachers improve their English proficiency there is opportunity to develop their skills further, improving their career prospects as well as helping lift the education standards of the Indonesian school system," Mr Polim said. "We thank the Indonesian Ministry of Education for the honor of working with you to help achieve your learning and development goals for teachers and students across the country. Now the hard work begins".
