𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

..𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒏𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆

By Tenzin Euden

In a commendable move to tackle the shortage of educators in schools, the Ministry of Education Sector and Development (MOESD) has successfully recruited 101 teachers out of over 500 candidates who voluntarily resigned from their previous positions on a contractual basis. This initiative comes in response to the pressing need for qualified teachers in educational institutions across the nation.

Re-recruited teachers share their joy and sense of privilege in being able to resume their cherished teaching roles at a crucial time when their expertise is most needed by the nation.

During interviews, Sonam Leki and other re-recruited teachers shared their thoughtful considerations before rejoining the education sector. Sonam Leki, who had left teaching, 16 years ago, initially sought a change of pace and enjoyed rural life during his break from teaching. However, upon realizing the challenges schools faced in finding qualified teachers, he felt a strong sense of duty to contribute. “I knew I had to play my part for the sake of our children’s education,” he expressed.

Upon returning to teaching, Sonam Leki was curious about the changes in the education system since his departure, having focused on farming during his hiatus. Hearing about the teacher shortages, a field in which he was trained, motivated him to re-engage. He aimed to approach teaching differently this time, exploring new methods to positively impact his students’ lives. He emphasized the importance of supporting and protecting teachers’ rights, ensuring their job satisfaction, and retention in the profession despite evolving educational settings.

Similarly, another former teacher who had resigned expressed his deep passion for teaching and his unwavering commitment to supporting the education system. He clarified that he harbors no resentment towards his teaching profession; instead, his strong passion for teaching led him to forego other potential career paths. He chose to resign to pursue further studies and enhance his skills, highlighting the significance of continuous professional development. “I returned to teaching not for the incentives but because my love for teaching pulled me back,” he emphasized.

Tshering, another teacher who had resigned, explained that he left the profession to answer the call of his constituents during a parliamentary election. He eagerly expressed his desire to contribute to the country’s needs, especially in working with children. Tshering stressed that his decision was not motivated by personal gain or improved conditions but rather by a sense of duty. He highlighted the importance of the government’s new initiatives and programs, emphasizing the urgent need to support experienced educators.

The sentiments expressed by these former educators stress a profound sense of responsibility and dedication to students and the education system as a whole. Their willingness to return to teaching, despite personal sacrifices, underlines the critical need to address teacher shortages in schools. Additionally, Sonam Tenzin, another former teacher who resigned to pursue further studies and upskill, echoed similar sentiments upon hearing about the recruitment news. He expressed readiness and happiness to return to his profession.

As the education in the country welcomes back these teachers, it becomes crucial for the government to devise new strategies for the In-Service Welfare Program (IWP) and prioritize the professional development and support of teachers within the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC). By investing in the growth and well-being of educators, we can ensure a brighter future for the upcoming generation.

Prioritizing the growth and welfare of our educators is essential for building a robust and sustainable education system that caters to the needs of students. The decision to return to the teaching profession, often after years of pursuing alternative paths, reflects a deep-rooted passion for imparting knowledge and shaping the future of the youth. Through their collective expertise and renewed enthusiasm, these educators are not merely filling vacancies but revitalizing classrooms with fresh perspectives and invaluable experiences.