The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: Proven Solutions to Reverse the Teacher Shortage

Every October 5th, the world comes together to celebrate World Teachers

Day, an occasion to recognise and appreciate the unsung heroes who

shape the future of our society. This year's theme, "The teachers we need

for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher

shortage," could not be more suitable. It resonates deeply with initiatives

such as PlayMatters, which are committed to transforming how children

learn on the one hand and how teachers teach, addressing a critical

global challenge - the shortage of well-trained teachers.

According to the Second Education Response Plan for refugees and host

communities in Uganda, the average pupil-to-teacher ratio is 67:1 in

refugee-hosting schools and 47:1 in non-refugee-hosting schools in the

target districts. The number of teachers currently enrolled in schools within

and outside the settlements for Early Childhood Development (ECD),

primary and secondary, is 6,185, yet the total number of teachers required

is 16,497.

Therefore, by investing in teacher training and development, we not only

enhance the quality of education but also attract more individuals to the

teaching profession, helping alleviate this shortage.

The Learning Through Play (LTP) approach championed by the PlayMatters

initiative is not just a methodology but a revolutionary learning and

teaching technique that underscores the power of play in education. It

reimagines education as a joyful, actively engaging, socially interactive,

and meaningful journey for children and teachers. This approach aligns

with the vision of the education we need – inclusive, child-centric, and

effective in nurturing young minds.

It is essential to appreciate that the LTP approach is more than making

learning fun for children; it is a proven solution to strengthen and improve

children's learning outcomes and empower teachers to be the catalysts of

this transformation.

Agnes, a lower primary teacher at Glory Land Primary School within

Palabek Refugee Settlement in Lamwo district, has been trained in the LTP

approach. “As a teacher, I have learnt to prepare and organise better for

my classes. I interact more with the pupils, and they are always eager to

learn,” teacher Agnes says.

As we reflect on the significance of World Teachers' Day, it is vital to

acknowledge that teachers are at the heart of any education system. They

can shape young minds, inspire curiosity, and guide them towards

attaining knowledge that changes lives. Teachers are the architects of a

child's educational journey. We can revolutionise how children learn by

equipping teachers with the skills and expertise to implement the LTP

approach.

In the face of the teacher shortage crisis, the LTP approach champions the

idea that learning can be facilitated by traditional teachers and caregivers,

community members, and peers. It acknowledges that everyone can play

a role in a child's education, creating a more inclusive and resilient learning

environment.

The PlayMatters' consortium, led by the International Rescue Committee in

partnership with the LEGO Foundation, exemplifies the importance of global

collaboration in addressing the teacher shortage. By pooling resources

and expertise, we can tackle this challenge on a broader scale.

On this World Teachers Day, let us acknowledge the teachers who are the

frontrunners of change in education. Let us support initiatives like

PlayMatters, working tirelessly to revolutionise learning and teaching

approaches that make it enjoyable for learners and teachers and tackle

the teacher shortage challenge together.

Investing in teachers today is an investment in a better world tomorrow.

Happy World Teachers Day!