6 September 2024
Mongolia is facing a significant challenge in its education sector, with a growing shortage of qualified teachers. Recently, Minister of Education Naranbayar Puversuren revealed the extent of the gap in the public school system, which is short of 4,217 teachers. In addition, the country also has 508 vacancies for kindergarten teachers.
According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Education, only 2.88% of Mongolia’s labour force consists of school teachers, which is below the international benchmark of 3%. This shortfall poses a serious threat to the quality of education in the nation, particularly in the face of growing student numbers and the increasing demand for more individualised attention in the classroom.
Short-term solutions to the teacher shortage
To address the immediate crisis, the ministry has proposed a special training program. This initiative allows individuals who have higher education degrees in fields other than education to acquire the necessary pedagogical skills and knowledge to become qualified teachers.
In addition, there are plans to unretire a certain number of experienced teachers to provide immediate support to schools in need. While this solution is short-term, it aims to temporarily ease the strain on the education system while longer-term strategies are implemented.
Long-term vision for Mongolia’s education system
Minister Puversuren’s approach extends beyond just plugging immediate gaps. His long-term vision includes making teaching a more attractive and financially viable career choice for students. To do this, the government is offering subsidised education to students enrolling in pedagogical faculties.
Under the new policy, students currently studying pedagogy with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or above, as well as those who score 480 points or higher on their entrance exams, can now study for free.
A comprehensive reform plan for education
The teacher shortage is just one part of Puversuren’s broader plan to reform Mongolia’s education system. His vision includes making the system more transparent, effective, and student-oriented. A number of other key reforms have been introduced, particularly aimed at improving the early childhood education sector. New kindergarten buildings are planned to accommodate more children, and electronic enrolment systems will be put in place to prevent corruption and ensure a fair allocation of places.
Another noteworthy change is the call for schools to reduce excessive homework, allowing students more time for hands-on and experiential learning outside the classroom. The ministry has proposed allocated dates for students to visit museums and theatres, promoting cultural education and broader experiences. In the classroom, schools are encouraged to move away from outdated assessment and teaching methods, making learning more engaging and relevant for today’s children.
Leading the charge for change
Naranbayar Puversuren’s reforms reflect his years of experience in the field of education. Before assuming his ministerial role, Puversuren served as the director of Shine Mongol, a private school in the capital. With these reforms, the Ministry of Education is taking bold steps to address Mongolia’s immediate teacher shortage while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and modern education system.
