The Bhutanese Leading the way.
During the 10th Meet-the-Press session, the Minister of Education and Skills Development elaborated on the ministry’s ongoing efforts to regularize contract teachers and tackle the issue of teacher shortages in Bhutan.
The ministry, in collaboration with the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), is working towards establishing the National Teaching Service (NTS) by 2025.
The framework aims to professionalize teaching and offer greater flexibility in managing the teaching workforce within the civil service.
“The NTS will provide a structured pathway for contract teachers to transition to regular positions, ensuring all teachers meet national competency standards and undergo continuous professional development,”Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa stated.
Under the proposed NTS, contract teachers will be required to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), delivered through a mix-mode model, and pass the Teaching Service Eligibility Test (TSET). These measures will ensure that teachers are not only qualified but also well-prepared to deliver quality education in classrooms across the country.
The phased rollout of NTS will begin in 2025, with ongoing training and assessments for contract teachers, allowing them to transition without disrupting school operations.
The Minister emphasized that the new framework will also address teacher shortages by aligning teacher training programs with national needs in collaboration with the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB).
Lyonpo Yeezang De Thapa said, “We are working with RUB to ensure teacher training programs match the national demand. Additionally, the recruitment and deployment process will be streamlined to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of teachers across Bhutan.”
These efforts are designed to strengthen the education system, creating a motivated, well-trained teaching workforce that can meet the evolving educational needs of the country.
By providing career growth opportunities and improving professional development, the ministry aims to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education.
