The shortage of teachers in Haa has its local leaders concerned. During the recent Haa Dzongkhag Tshogdu, the local leaders discussed the issue extensively. According to the leaders, the problem is common in almost all the schools in the district.
Sertena Primary School in Haa is one of the most remote schools in the country with some 29 students. However, a lone teacher has to teach all the classes besides the administrative works. The teacher is also the Officiating Principal.
“Looking at the students capacity, not fewer than three teachers are required. And now with the new curriculum in place, it requires more technological background so I feel almost six teachers could be sufficient. It will benefit all the students then,” said the Officiating Principal, Tshering Jamtsho.
He added that the school is facing an acute shortage of teachers with the new normal curriculum. For now, his wife who is a class XII graduate and the sweeper who also studied till class X help the teacher.
“Even if I understand the concept, it is difficult to explain it to the students. So I translate it into Dzongkha and sometimes even to Lhotshamkha to make sure the students understand,” said Sonam, his wife.
“Currently, I am looking after the classes PP and I. I know I will not be able to teach them like a professional teacher but I try my best,” said Binu Rai, the Sweeper.
And the issue regarding the teacher shortage was extensively discussed in the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
“In the Bibi Extended Classroom, there are classes from PP to III and there are about 30 students. With the lone teacher who got transferred earlier, we didn’t get any replacement.Currently, a NFE instructor and ECCD instructor of the gewog are looking after their academic,” said Thinley, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu Chairperson.
“A teacher has to look after seven classes that range from PP to VI. Meantime, he has to carry out other administrative works. So, I am sceptical about the quality of education,” said Gashey, the Gakiling Gup.
The Chief District Education Officer, Temba, said there is a shortage of 40 teachers in the district and the problem is the same across the country. However, he said 20 teachers will join by July this year and would deploy five to the southern gewogs of Haa.
Namgay Wangchuk, Haa
