The United Nations' (UN) World Teachers' Day commemorates the work of teachers and their contributions to society. It is observed on October 5 each year.
On this special day, Spring Maths looks at the challenges in teacher recruitment and retention we face globally.
The world is growing and here’s the bad news: by 2030, the world will be in need of 6.2 million teachers, of which 2.3 million will be new position yet to be created.
On this special day, Spring Maths looks at the challenges in teacher recruitment and retention we face globally.
The world is growing and here’s the bad news: by 2030, the world will be in need of 6.2 million teachers, of which 2.3 million will be new position yet to be created.
 | Global Teacher Shortage UIS (Unesco Institute for Statistics) data show that countries will need to recruit a total of 4 million teachers to achieve universal primary education by 2015 and ensure there are not more than 40 pupils per teacher. Of these teachers, 1.4 million will be needed to fill new posts and 2.6 million will replace teachers who retire. Most of these shortages will manifest in developing countries and countries with fast growing populations. |
Secondary schooling is needed to ensure the minimum standard for teachers, as in many developing countries, this is the highest level of education teachers themselves achieve before employment.
And we can’t be complacent in developed nations. In maths education, there is a growing crisis in recruiting and retaining teachers, and challenges in developing good maths teachers from an increasing pool of non-specialists. The quality of teaching impacts directly on the quality of learning and at Spring Maths, we believe teachers need continued professional development and support through networks to continually improve and develop capabilities to deal with the increasing challenges.
And we can’t be complacent in developed nations. In maths education, there is a growing crisis in recruiting and retaining teachers, and challenges in developing good maths teachers from an increasing pool of non-specialists. The quality of teaching impacts directly on the quality of learning and at Spring Maths, we believe teachers need continued professional development and support through networks to continually improve and develop capabilities to deal with the increasing challenges.
Great Colleagues
Spring Maths believes that to help support teachers (and learners) technologies can help amplify and spread good practice in hard to reach areas. A fabulous example is South Africa, where colleagues like Ron Beyers strive hard to drive quality teaching and learning in rural schools through satellite technologies and dedicated learning canopies. If you don’t know about the great work Ron is involved with, take a look at this introductory video.
We champion colleagues like Ron Beyers and seek to learn from them.
So here’s wishing all you great people out there a happy World Teachers’ Day and recognising the work you do and the quality you strive for.
So here’s wishing all you great people out there a happy World Teachers’ Day and recognising the work you do and the quality you strive for.