EDITORIAL - Teacher gap

Tuition in public learning institutions is now free all the way to the tertiary level. While there are many other expenses aside from tuition in seeing a child through college, the amount shouldered by the government is still significant.

Free, however, must not mean substandard. National competitiveness hinges on the quality of education imparted especially in public schools where the bulk of the student population is enrolled. And the quality of education depends on the capability of the teachers.

In the past decades, the country saw an exodus of teachers for better paying jobs overseas. The loss was reflected in the decline in the performance of Filipino students in international academic competitions as well as in the deterioration in English proficiency of the average Filipino, among other indicators.

Efforts have been made to correct these problems, in terms of additional funding and other resources as well as intensified training for educators. More teachers have been hired and education officials stress that there is no more teacher shortage.

Considering the continuing population boom, however, the country will continue to need more teachers for smaller and more manageable classes. Teachers also need constant skills upgrading. The country also continues to lack teachers in remote areas and in conflict zones where schools are targeted by bandits and terrorist groups.

Better compensation has made a career in education attractive again. Students are looking up to their teachers as role models, and the country joins the international community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day today.

“The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher” is the theme of this year’s celebration. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that the world still needs 69 million new teachers for 264 million children and youth who are out of school. And the children need not just any teacher, but qualified teachers. Despite significant improvements, the teacher gap remains and still waits to be filled.