Manila-based Asian Development Bank called on governments to focus on providing more support for teachers in developing economies like the Philippines to ensure that educational challenges are addressed.
ADB said in its latest blog that increasing support for educators is crucial in facing the education crisis in many countries in the region especially amid the pandemic. It also pointed to a risk that the learning crisis induced by the pandemic may worsen due to protracted learning losses.
ADB education sector group chief Brajesh Panth and social sector specialist Jukka Tulivuori said the quality of teachers has the greatest impact on improving student learning outcomes. This is a challenge as most developing countries in Asia-Pacific face major challenges in recruiting the best candidates for a long term teaching career.
The ADB pushed for new models of teacher education in developing countries to enhance their competencies.
The pandemic prompted a complete shift in the education sector in many developing economies like the Philippines where in person classes were halted and students forced to do online schooling. This is particularly difficult for a poor country with limited access to gadgets such as computers, laptops and tablets as well as unreliable internet connections.
It was emphasized that the role of teachers is changing and developing countries should ensure rigorous university-based teacher development programs by drawing on best practices of rich economies. Policy makers also need to focus attention on hiring and training teachers from underrepresented groups like ethnic minorities.
They also called for policies and incentives supporting career paths and teacher professional development programs, as well as adequate compensation, bonus pay, good housing, and support in the form of professional development and career opportunities.
The education sector is in flux and it may not look the same after the pandemic is finally controlled. This presents a unique opportunity for policy makers, educators and school administrators to initiate the transformation of education so a better system can finally emerge.
A focus on providing more support for teachers is a good place to start, especially while the pandemic is still raging.*
