Laos: How can we ensure our teachers are better qualified?

The Minister of Education recently reported plans to the National Assembly to upgrade current teaching qualifications as part of education reforms, and to encourage more people to take up a career in teaching

Ms Somboune Inthala

A primary school teacher, Ms Somboune Inthala: It's great to hear that teachers will have more opportunities to upgrade their professional skills and be more qualified. I think it would be good if they got more attention from the ministry to ensure they receive scholarships to upgrade their knowledge both in Laos and abroad. If possible, I'd like them to study in foreign countries where the education system is more modern, so they can apply the same methods to teach their students in Laos. Teachers should also have their wages doubled to encourage more people to teach, particularly rural teachers who are unable to earn extra income. In fact, numerous teachers graduate from teacher training colleges and schools each year, but many give up their profession because of the low income. Better incentives will offer encouragement for these important human resource developers to carry on with their jobs.

A teacher at a private college, Mr Souksavanh: It sounds like good news for many teachers across Laos, particularly those who want to upgrade their professional skills. Teachers can learn better methods and get used to modern education systems. Today modern materials are being introduced in some schools, colleges and universities in Laos. IT is important for teachers to advance their knowledge and skills ahead of their students in terms of better learning and teaching. Teachers need to receive proper support from the relevant sectors and ministries so they can improve. The authorities should provide financial backing to teachers and their families to help them further their education.

A teacher, Ms Ladda Duangboupha: I didn't know about the plans to train up more teachers to improve education standards but it seems quite a good idea to produce more teachers in schools nationwide. Many schools across Laos still need qualified teachers. An innovative reform of the education system is tough work and a big challenge for Lao education, and certainly requires more teachers. Of course, we must encourage teachers to upgrade their skills and get a higher level degree. In this period of economic downturn, the cost of living is another factor threatening to force teachers to retire or give up earlier. I believe that if they have the chance to get a higher degree, they will become more skilful and maybe get higher salaries.

A company worker, Mr Chanthala Aouankhamphiew: First of all, I'd like the relevant sectors to consider the living conditions of teachers across the country, because many teachers are unable to earn a living. A salary increase would be useful for teachers and encourage them to upgrade their professional skills. Many rural teachers still need to further their education because they are not yet up to standard. They should be trained in specific fields so they can become more professional. All in all, it's good news for Lao education if teachers receive a proper skills upgrade.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update July 03, 2010)