PGDE-trained Dzongkha teachers say they were removed despite teacher shortages

After concerns and challenges raised by Dzongkha Contract Teachers regarding shortened contract terms and the lack of contract extensions, several Dzongkha Regular Contract Teachers (RCTs) with Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) backgrounds have also approached the paper.

The teachers voiced that despite possessing the required qualifications and teacher-training backgrounds, they are not being considered for continued employment, and are being removed from service without opportunities for extension. Many of them stated that their contracts ended in December last year and were not renewed.

A 37-year-old teacher, who completed his teacher training at Paro College of Education  (PCE) in mid-2023, said he was deployed to schools in August 2023 following reports of teacher shortages. According to him, the recruitment process was facilitated through the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), which collected a list of teachers and issued offer letters in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD).

“We were placed into service quickly because schools were facing teacher shortages,” he said. “After serving for around three years, we were suddenly removed from service because there is now an excess of teachers,” he added.

The teacher explained that RCTs are largely self-financed trainees who undergo teacher training at PCE, particularly for Dzongkha subjects. He said many invested heavily in their education, believing that teaching would provide stable employment.

“We collected fees from different sources to pursue this profession because we believed teaching was one of the best careers. Now all that effort feels wasted,” he said.

He further claimed that several remote schools continue to face shortages of Dzongkha teachers. According to him, in some remote dzongkhags, Dzongkha is being taught by general teachers or even English teachers due to the shortage of subject specialists.

“I even know schools where I previously taught that currently do not have Dzongkha teachers,” he added.

The teacher pointed out that many of the affected teachers specialized in Dzongkha studies, and therefore, have limited alternative employment opportunities. He also stressed that there should be a distinction between teachers without professional training and those with relevant teacher training qualifications.

“If we were incapable or negligent in our responsibilities, we would understand the decision. However, we are being removed from the very profession we trained for and qualified in,” he said.

He further noted that many teachers posted in urban areas are often reluctant to serve in remote locations, whereas displaced RCTs are willing to do so.

Tshering Yangki (name changed), a 29-year-old teacher with a PGDE background, served as RCT in Sarpang until December last year. She said she has remained unemployed since then and is unable to support her family financially.

“My father is struggling with depression, and during such a difficult time, I feel helpless because I do not have a job,” she said.

Having served for three years, she said she has not received any further contract opportunities despite her teaching qualifications.

Another 36-year-old Dzongkha RCT shared that he graduated from Tango Monastery and later pursued self-financed teacher training at PCE. He said three representatives of RCTs with PGDE backgrounds had appealed their case to the Prime Minister with no success.

He also recounted receiving an email inviting Dzongkha teachers to apply for positions teaching other subjects. He initially considered applying under the general category but later withdrew since he lacked a background in English.

The teacher shared that his wife is currently the sole breadwinner in the family. “With the little income she earns, we are managing to survive,” he said. “As a husband, it is deeply shameful and painful that I am unable to contribute. This teaching career has made life extremely difficult for me,” he added.

He said that driving a taxi is currently one of the few alternatives available to him, although that requires certain criteria he has yet to fulfill.

Another 29-year-old teacher said she broke down emotionally upon learning that her contract would not be extended despite her PGDE qualification. She explained that earlier, RCTs received contract allowances, but after being reclassified under consolidated contracts, those allowances were discontinued.

She further claimed that teachers received notice regarding the termination of their contracts only during the first or second week of December last year, despite what they believed should have been a three-month notice period.

Before enrolling as self-financed trainees at PCE, some teachers had also prepared to seek opportunities abroad and had already completed PTE examinations, which remain valid for only two years. However, many decided to remain in Bhutan because they believed becoming RCTs would provide stable employment and financial security.

“Instead, we were completely removed from service,” she said. She said contract teachers are generally regarded as hardworking within schools and said many worked even harder following salary revisions.

The affected teachers are now calling for greater recognition of professionally trained contract teachers, particularly those willing to serve in remote schools where shortages reportedly continue. They say the sudden discontinuation of contracts has not only disrupted their careers but also left many families struggling financially and emotionally after years of investing in teacher training.