A professional teaching licence could soon become mandatory for all teachers in Bhutan, including graduates from teacher training institutes. It is part of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development’s major reform to strengthen the teaching profession and improve the quality of education nationwide. The reform package also includes updated professional standards and career development pathways.
The Teaching Professionals Council of Bhutan under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA) is leading the initiative. Among the key activities is a comprehensive review of the Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers (BPST).
The ministry stated that the revised BPST is intended to ensure teachers are not only subject experts but also skilled facilitators capable of creating conducive learning environments.
“The revised Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers will ensure that the teachers are well prepared to meet the challenges of 21st-century education and learners. It will have comprehensive standards on curriculum, pedagogy, training, and professional development put together,” said Yeezang De Thapa, Education and Skills Development Minister.
In addition, the Council is developing a Teacher Registration and Professional Certification Framework. It is expected to recognise diverse career pathways, enhance professional credibility, and support continuous professional development for teachers.
“Once this framework is in place, the teachers will be issued a teaching license. Further, teachers will have to undergo a lot of training, which the ministry will also be providing. The ministry is committed to providing continuous professional development for our teachers and ensuring that the quality of education is improved in the schools,” added the minister.
The announcement sparked discussion on social media. Some Facebook users questioned whether graduates who have already completed a Bachelor of Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education or a Master of Education programme would still need a separate teaching licence. Others asked how and where such licences would be issued, while some sought clarification on whether prior teaching experience would be recognised under the new framework.
The minister said that the reforms are aimed at nurturing competence, fostering motivation, ensuring accountability, and preparing a future-ready teaching workforce committed to delivering quality education.
According to the Annual Education Statistics, there are over 10,000 teachers across the country.
While the proposed reforms mark a significant step towards professionalising the teaching profession, details such as who will require a licence, how it will be issued, when the system will take effect and how existing teachers will transition, have yet to be announced. More updates are expected as the ministry moves forward with the reforms.
Sangay Chozom
Edited by Sonam Pem
