The Need for a Comprehensive Teacher Education Policy in Ethiopia: A Policy Brief

Abstract

Ethiopia’s teacher education system has faced significant challenges over the years, including teachers' recruitment, development, career pathways, retention, and the misalignment between teacher training programs and the realities of classroom teaching. This policy brief addresses the critical need for reform in teacher education in Ethiopia, emphasizing its integral role in enhancing the overall quality of education across the nation. Despite acknowledging the importance of quality teaching in the 2023 Education and Training Policy, it fails to provide comprehensive guidelines for the recruitment, development, and retention of teachers. As Ethiopia strives to achieve its educational goals, including those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for quality education, the deficiencies in teacher education represent a significant barrier to progress. The brief identifies key gaps in the 2023 Education and Training Policy, which inadequately addresses the critical aspects of teacher education provisions, and alignment with the Ethiopian Education Roadmap. To address these pressing issues, this brief outlines policy options, including the formulation of a dedicated teacher education policy that focuses on effective recruitment, training, and career pathways. Additionally, it recommends strengthening continuous professional development programs to enhance teacher skills and motivation, while ensuring alignment with the national education roadmap. Comparative analyses with successful international teacher education systems, such as those in Finland and Singapore, provide insights into effective strategies that could be adapted to the Ethiopian context. Without significant action in teacher education policy, Ethiopia will struggle to improve educational outcomes and meet its national development goals.