The subject chosen by UNESCO for World Teachers’ Day 2023 was “The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to reverse the teacher shortage,” which was highlighted by the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED).
The program included a panel discussion with renowned education experts, including Mr. Afaq Ahmed, lecturer at Government Elementary College for Education and alumnus of Aga Khan University, Dr. Ghazala Siddiqui, founder and principal of Generation’s School, and Dr. Faisal Bari, dean of the School of Education at Lahore University of Management Sciences. Dean of AKU-IED Professor Farid Panjwani moderated the session with finesse.
The president of AKU, Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, expressed his gratitude for teachers on this particular day and reaffirmed AKU’s dedication to strengthening teacher qualities. He said, “AKU-IED is actively engaged in developing and empowering teachers who can make a significant positive influence on the lives of their children through our teacher education programs and professional development efforts. With the aim of improving the educational system and solving the shortage of qualified teachers, we are working with partners to train 1,000 education fellows for government schools in GB as part of our commitment to this.
Dr. Bari stressed the requirement for a thorough revision of educational regulations. For sustained impact over the following five to ten years, he proposed the creation of a commission to offer long-term policy direction, which should be supported by political stakeholders. The panelists emphasized the crucial part that effective teachers play in ensuring that every kid receives a high-quality education. Over 1 million teachers are needed in Pakistan, which has severe shortages in rural regions and in fields like science and math.
“The heart of education recovery is teachers. A comprehensive strategy must be used by policymakers to address the impending issues facing the education system, both in the public and private sectors. Dr. Panjwani stressed that pressing needs include changing education policies to address out-of-school children and investing in qualified educators for the digital age.
Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that Pakistan is not an exception to the fact that teacher shortages are a global issue. She emphasized the importance of stepping up efforts to recruit and keep skilled teachers in addition to funding their ongoing professional development.
AKU-IED showed its commitment to alleviating the teacher shortage and raising the standard of education in Pakistan by commemorating World Teachers’ Day. The occasion provided a forum for professionals to debate solutions and emphasize the crucial part teachers play in determining the course of the country.
