PHNOM PENH – Three thousand aspiring teachers have been recruited on temporary contracts to strengthen capacity at the primary school level in the new academic year.
The aim is to ease the workload of full-time government teachers and respond to the growing number of students enrolled at the primary level.
A total of 3,023 candidates were selected to teach at 2,209 target schools in Takeo, Kampong Cham, Tboung Khmum, Prey Veng and Battambang provinces.
Civil Service Minister Hun Many said the education sector continues to receive strong attention and priority from the government despite the COVID-19 impact on the national budget.
Many, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, said the contract teachers will ease the burden on staff who teach two shifts per day and handle combined classes.
“The government is concerned about their health and the time they need to prepare lesson plans and improve their other skills,” he said.
“The initiative will also help strengthen the quality of teaching and learning. It
also offers opportunities for young individuals who dream of becoming teachers to fulfill their aspirations,” he said at a press conference on November 20 at the Royal School of Administration.
Nearly 2000 reserve candidates will now be able to choose their posting locations at 986 target schools by November due to the increasing demand for teachers.
The initiative is a joint effort between the Civil Service, Education and Ministry of Economy and Finance ministries.
Nath Bunroeun, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, expressed hope that the new teachers would develop themselves through in-person and virtual pedagogical training.
“We offer them a unique opportunity to learn classroom management techniques so they can build their skills and work toward qualification throughout the year,” Bunroeun said.
“Although the contract lasts only one year, they are welcome to renew it and continue their teaching journey. They are also encouraged to take the exam to obtain a teaching license.”
Youk Bunna, Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Civil Service, said these teachers will receive 1.5 million riel or $375 per month, with pension contributions required.
“They will also receive certificates, employment letters, medals, and other cash rewards during major festivals, just like government teachers,” Bunna added.
“School directors are required to evaluate the teaching performance of these teachers to determine whether they can continue teaching.
“If they demonstrate strong qualifications, they may remain at their current school or be reassigned to other schools in need of teachers.”
However, he called on the public and aspiring teachers to value not only the financial benefits but also the high moral importance of the teaching profession.
Bunna pointed out that teaching carries significant moral value and remains a highly respected profession.
The press conference on the progress of recruitment and management of contract teachers at public primary schools was held to address public concerns over the initiative.
The exam for the teachers was held on Oct. 25, with nearly 9,000 candidates holding bachelor’s degrees registering. Results were announced on Oct. 28, with 3,023 candidates passing and 3,453 placed on the reserve list.
The Civil Service Ministry, which spearheads the initiative, said the exam was conducted rigorously and professionally, based on the principles of quality, transparency, justice, efficiency and effectiveness.
The allocation and selection of schools for teachers were determined by priority, exam scores, and teacher needs at target schools where candidates had registered before the exam.