Empowering teachers for a brighter future

Teaching is considered as a very noble profession and teachers play a crucial role in shaping people's lives. On this World Teachers' Day, we would like to honour teachers worldwide for their invaluable contribution to society. This year's theme, 'Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,' highlights the need to listen to teachers as we confront their challenges. More importantly, it emphasises the importance of recognising and harnessing their expertise to enhance the educational landscape. Today, across the globe, in various high- and low-income countries alike, the value conferred on the teaching profession is commonly perceived to be low and even in decline (Varkey Foundation, 2018; IIEP, 2019; OECD, 2020; UNESCO & TTF, 2024). 

Research shows, among other factors, poor working conditions (UNESCO and TTF, 2020; Toropova et al., 2020; Podolsky et al., 2016), uncompetitive remuneration (Bennell, 2023; Evans et al., 2022), and heavy workloads that deter teachers from entering or staying in the profession (Creagh, 2023; Connolly, 2023; Green, 2021).

I recall one of my toughest times as a teacher during COVID-19. As face-to-face teaching was halted, and classes went online – teachers initially struggled with integrating technology into their teaching methods due to insufficient training and support. It is for this reason that I emphasise continuous professional development to address these issues and equip teachers with modern pedagogical skills, enhance their subject knowledge, and improve their ability to use digital tools effectively. In the current context, where digital learning is becoming more prevalent, teachers must adapt to new technologies and methodologies to engage students effectively. We need to foster an inclusive environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving. By focusing on holistic development, teachers can help children become well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges. 

The British Council in Bangladesh plays a pivotal role in enhancing education for both young and adult learners. We offer a wide range of English language courses tailored to different age groups and proficiency levels, including specialised programmes like IELTS preparation and business English. For teachers, the British Council provides professional development opportunities through prestigious Cambridge qualification courses such as the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), which equips educators with modern teaching methodologies and practical skills. These initiatives not only improve teachers' competencies but also enhance students' learning experiences by fostering a more engaging and effective educational environment. The impact is profound, as teachers become more confident and skilled while students gain better language proficiency and critical thinking abilities, preparing them for future academic and professional success. This holistic and modern approach significantly contributes to the overall improvement of the education system in Bangladesh.

Teachers are the backbone of our education system, shaping the minds and futures of our children and, dare I say, adults as well. To truly honour their dedication, we must advocate for increased funding for education, ensuring that schools have the resources they need. In Bangladesh, including teachers' perspectives in educational policy and decision-making is crucial for effective reform. Their firsthand experience with the teachers provides valuable insights into what works and what does not in the classroom. My close involvement with the teacher training programmes with primary school teachers made me understand how teachers are often kept in isolation from making a real difference. Policies crafted without their input usually fail to address practical issues, leading to ineffective implementation. By involving teachers in policy discussions, we can ensure that reforms are grounded and tailored to the actual needs of students and educators. This collaborative approach can lead to more innovative and practical solutions, ultimately enhancing the quality of education in Bangladesh. Empowering teachers to contribute to policymaking not only validates their expertise but also fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the educational reforms being implemented.

Sayedul Abrar

Additionally, offering continuous professional development opportunities will empower teachers to grow and innovate in their roles. By recognising and addressing these needs, we can create an environment where teachers feel valued and supported, ultimately leading to a more effective and inspiring education system for all. Let us commit to making these changes and show our teachers the appreciation they deserve every day.

[Sayedul Abrar is the Academic and Corporate English Skills Lead of the Teaching Center of British Council Bangladesh.]