In response to recommendations from Prime Minister Hun Manet, Education Minister Hang Chuon Naron has instructed his team to develop a new recruitment process for contract teachers. This initiative aims to align with government policies while ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in the recruitment process. During a meeting in Phnom Penh on Friday, Naron emphasised the need for a clear procedural framework for hiring contract teachers. He directed the relevant working group to draft guidelines for discussion, which will establish an annual recruitment process in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Service and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
He highlighted the importance of setting qualification standards as determined by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport (MoEYS). Additionally, contract periods will be set at two years, with a structured renewal process to avoid delays in hiring new contract teachers.
The minister added that the integration of contract teachers into the official framework should involve performance evaluations based on student learning outcomes or competency assessments.
For secondary school contract teachers, transfer opportunities will be available to schools facing teacher shortages. Furthermore, teachers must be proficient in early literacy and numeracy instruction.
Additionally, teachers must be skilled in classroom management, teaching methodologies, and the use of primary education materials. Teacher training institutes will offer both short- and long-term courses to provide essential skills for contract teachers, along with self-learning opportunities through digital platforms.
Regarding student well-being, the minister urged the relevant departments to issue additional guidelines, strengthen inspections in schools, and encourage public participation in monitoring and providing feedback.
He also called for greater parental involvement in supporting the education system.
Naron requested senior officials and working groups to enhance the recruitment process, ensuring comprehensive planning and clear monitoring mechanisms. Key performance indicators will be established to assess the capabilities of contract teachers, supporting efforts to improve the quality of education in Cambodia.
According to MoEYS spokeswoman Khuon Vichheka, the ministry currently employs over 13,000 contract teachers nationwide to address teacher shortages, particularly in primary education.
She noted that MoEYS works closely with the Ministry of Public Function to determine annual recruitment needs, replacing retired teachers and filling vacancies.
Vichheka noted that all contract teachers meet the required qualifications and receive regular training to enhance their teaching skills. The ministry continuously improves its training programmes to ensure both contract and permanent teachers possess the necessary competencies for all education levels, from kindergarten to high school.
During the closing ceremony of the 2024 annual education review conference at the Cambodia Institute of Technology last month, Mr Hun Manet recommended extending the contract period for contract teachers from one year to two years and establishing a defined training period for them to obtain official positions. MoEYS and the Ministry of Civil Service will discuss additional training requirements to integrate contract teachers into the official education system.