The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has recruited over 100 teachers on contract who had previously voluntarily resigned from their jobs. The selection results were announced yesterday. The move is to address the teacher shortage in schools by leveraging the experience and expertise of these returning teachers.
The recent recruitment of resigned teachers on consolidated contracts saw over 500 applicants. According to an announcement from the Education and Skills Development Ministry, of the total applicants, only 114 individuals were regular teachers prior to their resignation and were considered for this recruitment.
Private school teachers, on the other hand, were not considered for recruitment, as they have the opportunity to apply for contract teaching positions in districts and thromdes when vacancies are announced.
“Moreover, due to significant changes in the curriculum, teachers who left the system long ago were not considered.”
According to the ministry, the teachers were selected in accordance with the Bhutan Civil Service Rules 2023. Past service records were also verified to ensure reliability and commitment.
The ministry’s Human Resource Division said that the country had a shortage of around 800 teachers at the beginning of this academic year.
However, with approval from the Royal Civil Service Commission to recruit 600 contract teachers and the additional recruitment of resigned teachers, the gap is expected to be filled.
Efforts were also made to recruit teachers from the pool of 2023 graduates. However, due to fewer applicants and a lack of availability of teachers in required subjects, the shortage persisted. Despite efforts to address the shortage, the ministry stated that gaps will still remain as teachers continue to leave the education system.
Sonam Yuden
Edited by Sherub Dorji
