World Teachers’ Day: The challenges of the teaching profession

Teachers play a key role in shaping the future, unlocking every learner’s potential, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4 of inclusive and equitable quality education.  Approaching 2030, a major issue looms large: The world is facing a significant teacher shortage. The global report on teachers, a collaboration between UNESCO and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030, is a tool to mobilize international and country efforts to empower, recruit, train, and support teachers.  The teaching profession is widely recognised as one of the noblest callings, yet it is often misunderstood and undervalued in many societies. Teachers shape the future by moulding young minds, nurturing talent, and fostering critical thinking.

However, behind the scenes of this seemingly fulfilling career lies a myriad of challenges that make the profession increasingly difficult to sustain. As we celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day, it is vital to shed light on the obstacles teachers face daily and the solutions required to empower them.

1. Inadequate Remuneration: One of the most pressing issues in the teaching profession globally is inadequate remuneration. Despite the immense responsibility teachers hold in society, their salaries often do not reflect their value. In many countries, teachers are paid significantly less than professionals in other sectors, leading to financial insecurity and a lack of motivation. The consequence is a high attrition rate as talented educators leave the profession in search of better-paying opportunities. This disparity in wages is especially prevalent in developing countries, where governments may struggle to allocate sufficient funds for education.

2. Limited Professional Development: Teaching is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with new pedagogical methods, technologies, and educational philosophies. Unfortunately, many teachers face limited opportunities for continuous professional development. In some cases, educators are expected to innovate and adapt without the necessary training or resources. This stifles their ability to grow professionally and impacts their ability to deliver effective instruction.

Furthermore, the lack of development opportunities disproportionately affects teachers in rural or underfunded schools. Without access to workshops, seminars, or further qualifications, teachers in these areas are left behind, which ultimately affects the quality of education delivered to students.

3. Overcrowded Classrooms: In many regions, especially in the Global South, overcrowded classrooms are a norm rather than an exception. Teachers often find themselves responsible for managing 40 to 50 students, or even more, in a single classroom. This makes personalised instruction almost impossible and significantly impacts classroom management and discipline.

Overcrowded classrooms also lead to stress and burnout for teachers, who are unable to cater to the individual needs of their students or provide the level of attention required for effective learning. While the problem is rooted in systemic issues such as underfunding and population growth, innovative solutions like hiring more teachers, expanding school infrastructure, and adopting blended learning models could ease the burden.

4. Workload and Administrative Pressure: Teaching is not limited to delivering lessons in the classroom. Outside of classroom hours, teachers are saddled with grading, lesson planning, attending meetings, conducting assessments, and handling other administrative duties. In some cases, teachers are expected to assume multiple roles, such as counsellors, social workers, and even event organisers.

This often-unrecognised burden contributes to high levels of stress and fatigue. Many educators spend their evenings and weekends completing school-related tasks, leaving little room for rest or personal development. Reducing unnecessary administrative tasks and increasing support staff in schools would allow teachers to focus on their primary role: educating students.

5. Lack of Respect and Professional Autonomy: Despite their vital role in shaping the future, many teachers experience a lack of respect from students, parents, and even policymakers. The societal perception of teaching as an easy or low-skill job can erode a teacher’s sense of professional pride. This issue is compounded by parents or administrators who may undermine teachers’ authority by questioning their methods or dictating how they should do their jobs.

In addition, teachers are often subject to strict curricula, excessive standardised testing, and rigid administrative policies that limit their autonomy. This control over what and how they teach can lead to frustration, as teachers are forced to prioritise meeting specific benchmarks over fostering creativity, curiosity, and deep learning in their students.

6. Mental Health Challenges: The cumulative effects of inadequate pay, overwhelming workloads, and societal undervaluation have a direct impact on teachers’ mental health. Burnout, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common among educators, who often work in high-pressure environments with minimal support.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with teachers required to adapt to online learning and other disruptions. Many teachers found themselves on the frontlines of not just educating students but also supporting their emotional well-being during a period of global uncertainty. Governments and educational institutions must prioritise the mental health of teachers by providing counselling services, stress management programmes, and creating a supportive work environment where teachers feel valued and appreciated.

7. Inconsistent Access to Educational Resources: Teaching is made far more difficult when educators lack access to adequate resources. In many schools, especially in underfunded or rural areas, teachers struggle with outdated textbooks, inadequate technological infrastructure, and even a lack of basic supplies like chalk or paper. The digital divide has also become more apparent, particularly during the pandemic when online learning was the only viable option for many students.

When teachers are forced to operate without the necessary tools, their ability to provide a high-quality education is severely hampered. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from governments, NGOs, and the private sector to ensure equitable distribution of resources to all schools.

Finally, as we mark World Teachers’ Day, it is crucial to acknowledge both the extraordinary dedication of educators and the numerous challenges they face. Teaching is a profession that demands respect, adequate remuneration, and continuous professional development. Addressing these challenges will require sustained effort from governments, educational institutions, and the broader society to support teachers in their vital role.

If we are to build a future where education is truly transformative, we must first invest in the well-being and empowerment of those at the heart of it—our teachers.

Read also:  https://edugist.org/challenges-nigerian-teachers-face/