The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Between 2021 and 2024, over 3,500 teachers, that is more than a third of the national teaching workforce, left their positions, many of whom were seasoned educators with over a decade of experience.
This attrition has left schools, particularly in rural areas, struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels despite the recruitment of over 1,200 new teachers in 2024.
With fewer teachers available to manage large classes, students are often taught by teachers who are either inexperienced or tasked with teaching subjects outside their specialization. This situation has led to concerns over the adequacy of student learning, as many students struggle to grasp key concepts and keep up with the curriculum.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) initiated a registration link in March 2025, inviting previously resigned teachers to return on a consolidated contract basis.
As of April, 86 former teachers have been registered with the ministry for potential re-engagement under a consolidated contract.
While the response is a positive sign, the ministry clarified that the returning teachers will not be assigned to locations of their choice. The ministry said, “The placement will be carried out based on subject requirement and seniority in service.”
The selection process is being guided by the needs of specific schools and subject gaps.
The move has drawn concern among recent graduates, particularly those who cleared the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE), who feel they are being sidelined in favor of former teachers.
Education Minister, Yeezang De Thapa, addressed these concerns, saying that new graduates are being recruited through multiple channels, including the BCSE, direct Dzongkhag recruitments, and consolidated contracts.
The Bhutanese earlier highlighted the underlying reasons behind the wave of resignations. Many teachers left due to burnout and increasing workloads, with several reporting that they had to teach multiple levels and subjects beyond their specialization.
However, the Education Minister also pointed out that students tend to face challenges in understanding subjects effectively when taught by newly trained teachers. Lyonpo stressed that the presence of experienced and well-trained teachers is crucial for students to grasp key concepts more efficiently.
Transfers and lack of job satisfaction were also cited, alongside the lure of better prospects abroad or in other sectors.
MoESD acknowledges that the shortage varies by school, with many institutions short by one or two subject teachers. It is also exploring long-term reforms such as the proposed National Teaching Service, which would allow contract teachers to transition into regular positions without taking the BCSE. If approved by the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), this could help retain teachers and offer clearer career progression.
The ministry’s move to re-engage resigned teachers offers a temporary yet essential solution. However, to ensure long-term stability in the education sector, more structural reforms are needed.
Addressing the root causes of teacher attrition, such as burnout, heavy workloads, and limited professional growth opportunities, will be crucial in retaining educators. Moreover, a balance between recruiting fresh graduates and bringing back experienced teachers will be key to strengthening the teaching force across the country.
