KP Sharma

Despite tightening visa regulations in countries like Australia and recent pay increases in Bhutan, the number of teachers leaving the profession in 2024 has not declined significantly.

According to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, 247 teachers left the civil service between January and September 2024, not including those on extraordinary leave, averaging about 27 resignations per month.

Although this total is 124 fewer than the 371 teachers who resigned in 2023, it remains uncertain whether this year’s figure will exceed last year’s or remain lower. Resignations tend to rise towards the end of the year, especially among those planning to pursue further studies abroad.

The ongoing attrition of teachers, despite policy changes and visa restrictions in countries like Australia, indicates that the root causes of teacher resignations may not have been adequately addressed.

Stricter visa regulations and immigration changes in Australia have not significantly deterred Bhutanese teachers, who continue to find overseas opportunities appealing due to better pay, professional development, and a different work environment. 

Insiders believe that internal challenges within the education sector in Bhutan also contribute significantly to this trend.

Teachers have reported heavy workloads and insufficient resources, which contribute to job dissatisfaction.

The education system in Bhutan has struggled to retain experienced teachers, many of whom have resigned in recent years in search of better opportunities abroad.

Although 797 new teachers were recruited in 2024, the sector still faces a shortage of 456 teachers.

While this recruitment is expected to alleviate some of the critical shortages, it does not fully compensate for the teachers who have left.

The newly recruited teachers may face the same challenges, which could perpetuate the cycle of resignations if systemic issues remain unresolved.

The ingoing teacher attrition is believed to have already affected the quality of education in Bhutan. As experienced teachers leave, the overall quality of education may decline, potentially impacting student performance.

Based on the current data, predicting the number of resignations—particularly towards the end of the year—remains uncertain; however, the challenge of retaining teachers is likely to continue.

Teachers have suggested that retention strategies should prioritise improving working conditions, offering career development opportunities, and providing competitive incentives to help reduce the number of educators leaving the profession.