The Higher Diploma for Teacher Educators is aimed at improving the quality of education in Ethiopia through a licensing program which will develop the skills and professionalism of teacher educators.

This new compulsory qualification operates in very education faculty and teacher training institution in Ethiopia. Candidates in each institution work as a group under the leadership of the Higher Diploma leader (HDL) with the support of Higher Diploma tutor (HDT). When the program stated the HDLs were VSO or IFESH volunteers, but now the teacher training institutions are expected to use HDLs from the local stuff.

The program focuses on the learning process and relates directly to teaching methodology and the requirements of the pre-service program and the practicum. It is a practical program and gives participants regular opportunities to take part in active learning, practice peer teaching observations, feedback and continuous assessment and undertake research projects directly related to the classroom situation.

The Faculty of Education at Jimma University graduated its first batch, which includes the then dean and vice dean, in Higher Diploma for Teacher Educators in 1996 E. (2005).

In 1996 E.C. two groups of teachers in the faculty attended and successfully completed their program. It is expected that there will be here groups of teacher will attend program in 1997 E.C. (2005-200 academic year).