Some 1,193 teachers left the system in 2024

KP Sharma

Teacher attrition rate increased by threefold in 2024 compared to the previous year, with a total of 1,193 teachers leaving the system, comprising 648 contract teachers and 545 regular teachers.

With an average attrition rate of 6.90 percent in public schools, about 99 teachers resigned every month, making it the highest rate in the last five years. In 2023, 371 teachers left the profession, with an attrition rate of 3.8 percent, a drop of about 0.7 percent compared to 2022.

Over the past five years, the number of teachers resigning has steadily increased: 163 in 2020, 353 in 2021, 478 in 2022, 371 in 2023, and 1,193 in 2024.

Voluntary separation was the leading reason for teacher departures this year, with 529 regular teachers opting to leave without utilising the Early Retirement Scheme.

The completion of contract terms was the second most common reason, accounting for 318 separations, primarily among contract teachers.

In addition, 107 teachers saw their contracts terminated after transitioning to regular employment.

Other reasons include 224 voluntary resignations, the death of eight teachers, compulsory retirement for four, and the withdrawal or cancellation of three appointments. While the contractual nature of employment influences many separations, regular staff are also resigning voluntarily, indicating potential challenges in retention.

By school category, the highest attrition rate was observed at the Higher Secondary School (HSS) level, with an overall attrition rate of 12.46 percent. Female teachers left at a rate of 15.82 percent, while male teachers left at 10.21 percent.

Primary Schools (PS) and Lower Secondary Schools (LSS) recorded attrition rates of 12.11 percent and 11.69 percent, respectively, with slightly higher rates among female teachers.

Middle Secondary Schools (MSS) recorded an attrition rate of 10.84 percent, with female teachers leaving at 13.11 percent compared to 8.93 percent for male teachers.

The bulk of separations occurred within the first four years of employment, with 728 resignations, of which 583 were contract teachers.

In the 5–9 year range, 166 teachers left, including 107 regular staff. In the 10–14 year range, 154 separations were recorded, mainly among regular teachers.

Resignations decreased with longer service durations, with 98 resignations in the 15–19 year range, 35 in the 20–24 year range, three in the 25–29 year range, and nine for those with 30 or more years of service.

By region, Thimphu Thromde recorded the highest number of resignations in 2024, with 205 teachers leaving, including 129 contract teachers and 76 regular teachers.

Paro followed with 104 resignations, including 35 contract teachers and 69 regular teachers. Other dzongkhags, such as Samtse and Wangdue, also recorded high numbers, with 96 and 110 resignations respectively.