Educational Justice and Life Skills Development among Top Priorities of the Ministry of Education
Minister’s Representative at FTEU Calls for Strategic Leadership and School-Centered Reform
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 38th National Conference of Education Directors, held in Ardabil Province, Dr. Jalal Delghandi—Advisor and Representative of the Minister of Education at Farhangian Teacher Education University (FTEU)—outlined the Ministry’s core priorities, emphasizing educational justice, quality enhancement, infrastructure improvement, and the revival of schools as authoritative centers of learning.
According to FTEU’s Public Relations Office, quoting PANA News Agency, Dr. Delghandi addressed a gathering of provincial education officials, district managers, and school leaders at Ardabil’s Teachers’ House. He began by commending the efforts of local administrators and stressed that:
“A successful manager must be courageous, willing to take risks and make difficult decisions, while remaining principled, intelligent, and free from partisan bias.”
Referencing the Supreme Leader’s remarks on the importance of bold leadership, he added:
“Piety without courage is insufficient. In critical moments, managers must have the resolve to act decisively.”
Strategic Planning and Leadership Reform
Dr. Delghandi emphasized that “a manager without a plan is a manager without a legacy,” urging each region to develop its own strategic and operational roadmap based on local needs and challenges, rather than waiting for external directives.
He identified the formation of strong appointment committees as a key priority, stating:
“School principals must be selected from among the most capable, specialized, and respected individuals. Their role is central to the success of our education system.”
He also highlighted the importance of visionary leadership and emotional investment, noting that:
“Managers who lead with conviction, compassion, and dedication are the true assets of our education system. Figures like Martyr Tehrani Moghaddam and General Soleimani exemplify courageous and transformative leadership.”
Reimagining Schools as Hubs of Participation and Growth
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Delghandi reiterated the Ministry’s strategic goals:
- Promoting educational justice across all regions
- Enhancing the quality of teaching and learning
- Addressing infrastructure and equipment deficiencies in schools
- Restoring the authority and centrality of schools in the education system
- Strengthening students’ life and social skills
He called for a shift from one-dimensional schooling to inclusive, participatory models:
“Schools must evolve from single-voice institutions to vibrant spaces of multi-voice engagement, where teachers and students actively shape the learning experience. Achieving this vision depends entirely on the commitment and planning of our educational leaders.”