Prime Minister Hun Manet has issued an order to conduct examinations that will allow contract teachers to obtain full-time teacher status in primary education. He described the approach as “killing two birds with one stone”, as it will allow experienced teachers to secure permanent positions.

Speaking at the annual conference of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on the afternoon of February 26, Manet highlighted the Kingdom’s shortage of teachers, attributing it to newly graduated teachers’ reluctance to work in remote areas. Under his new plan, contract teachers already stationed in these areas can help fill the gap.

Recognising their experience and capabilities, he instructed the education ministry, along with the Ministry of Civil Service, to organise an exam at lower standards than the national teacher exam.

After passing, candidates will undergo a 12-to-18-month training period before becoming full-time teachers.

“Currently, we have teachers who pass the exam but are difficult to deploy, while volunteer teachers already teaching cannot enter the system. We must find a way to include them. This solution kills two birds with one stone because these teachers are already there and won’t leave,” he said.

“Why did I issue this order? If we leave it for deliberation, it might get stuck in procedural complexities due to excising sub-decrees or regulations. Now, with this political directive, the process moves forward, and necessary adjustments to regulations will follow,” he explained.

At present, many primary schools face a shortage of teachers. Contract teachers serve as a solution, while some schools have requested retired teachers to assist temporarily.

Since contract terms last only one year, requiring annual renewal paperwork, Manet has instructed the education ministry to extend them to two years.