The observance of the World Teachers' Day has brought to the fore challenges the teaching profession now faces across the globe. In Bangladesh which runs the largest primary education programme in the world with the state taking the largest responsibility for it, the issue of quality still remains a big issue. Though schools are housed in buildings or tin-sheds, the classroom scenes hardly attract learners. The teachers don't have any basic training. Almost 50 per cent drop out of schools after receiving the primary education. The rest enter secondary schools that are mostly privately-run. Ninety-seven per cent secondary  and higher secondary educational institutions are in the private sector though teachers there get their basic salaries from the state treasury. Here quality education and guiding learners to acquire necessary skills leave much to be desired. Public universities appear to be hubs of politics both for students and teachers. Politics determines students' stay on the campus, teachers' promotion and other things. Pure study and research have become very negligible here. Private universities have been struggling for their existence, let alone think of quality and research. Of course, some are busy with making business. The entire gamut of education must be revised and reviewed in the greater interest of the nation and a genuine commitment should be made in this regard. Â
'Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status' was the theme of the World Teachers' Day of 2016 which embodies the fundamental principles of the 50-year-old recommendation. The Sustainable Development Goals' (SDGs) agenda reflect why teachers should be supported. A specific education goal, SDG4, pledges to 'ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all'. Teachers are the key players here. The roadmap for the new agenda, the Education 2030 Framework for Action, highlights the fact that teachers are fundamental for equitable and quality education and, as such, must be 'adequately trained, recruited and remunerated, motivated and supported within well-resourced, efficient and effectively governed systems'. However, in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary not only to substantially increase the number of qualified teachers but also motivate them by valuing their work. How to evaluate teachers and improve their status has, therefore, become a global concern. By 2030, 3.2 million more teachers will be required to achieve universal primary education and 5.1 million more in order to achieve universal lower secondary education. Bangladesh endorses the international ideas and efforts devised at the international level. At the primary level, female candidates' qualification for teacher recruitment has been upgraded. At the secondary level non-government educational institutions, teacher recruitment has been placed on the Non-Government Teacher Registration Certification Authority (NTRCA). But a recent loophole has been identified which need to be addressed. The ministry concerned and the teachers need to take a renewed vow to eliminate the ills that prevail in the field of education. Morality and quality must go hand in hand with teachers; otherwise, they will not be able to guide the future generations on the road to development and enlightenment.
The Education International (EI), which represents education professionals worldwide, launches a public awareness campaign every year to highlight the contributions of the teaching profession. Potential people show reluctance to come to the profession of teaching. This is a fact not only in Bangladesh and other developing countries, but also in developed countries as well with some exceptions. It is a fact that many people join this occupation following their failure to manage other jobs. Sky-high scientific development, globalisation and its bi-product commercialisation of all social aspects contribute together to set this trend in motion. The teaching profession calls for diversified opportunities and facilities to accommodate bright and potential people. Efforts and research must continue in these areas under the leadership of teachers.
The writer works in BRAC Education Programme as a specialist
masumbillah65@gmail.com
Quality teaching need of the hour
Masum Billah | Published: October 07, 2016 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
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