MoESD say the teacher licensing framework will help strengthen profession and improve education quality
RENUKA RAI | Thimphu
Teachers in Bhutan will soon be required to obtain a teaching licence before entering classrooms as the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD) prepares to introduce a national teacher registration and professional certification framework alongside revised professional standards for teachers.
The reforms, aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and improving the quality of education, were highlighted during the 29th meet the press by the MoESD Minister Yeezang De Thapa.
The initiatives are being spearheaded by the Teaching Professionals Council (TPC) under the Bhutan Qualifications and Professional Certification Authority (BQPCA), which was established to oversee teacher professionalism, certification and career development.
Education Minister said that although the council is relatively new, it has already begun implementing key reforms that will shape the future of Bhutan’s teaching profession.
“TPC enhances the professionalism of our teachers and the quality of education across the schools. Since we have recently started this council, we have been able to do only a few activities. One of the major ongoing initiatives that TPC has carried out is the comprehensive review of the Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers (BPST),” the minister said.
The Bhutan Professional Standards for Teachers (BPST) is the national framework that outlines the knowledge, competencies and professional values expected of teachers. The ministry is now comprehensively reviewing the standards to ensure they remain relevant in an education system that continues to evolve.
According to the minister, the revised standards will prepare teachers to meet the changing needs of students and modern classrooms.
“The revised BPST will ensure that the teachers are well prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st-century education and learners. It will have comprehensive standards covering curriculum, pedagogy, training, professional development everything put together,” Education minister said.
The revised framework is expected to provide guidance across all aspects of teaching, from curriculum delivery and classroom pedagogy to teacher training and continuous professional learning. It also seeks to ensure that teachers are equipped not only with strong subject knowledge but also with the skills needed to create engaging, inclusive and effective learning environments.
As education continues to change with new technologies, evolving curricula and diverse student needs, the ministry said teachers must also continuously update their professional knowledge and skills.
Alongside the review of professional standards, the ministry has also begun developing a framework for teacher registration and professional certification, which will establish a formal system for recognising teachers’ qualifications and competencies while supporting career progression within the profession.
“The second initiative that we have taken is that TPC has initiated the development of the framework for teacher registration and professional certification. This is done to recognise diverse career pathways for our teachers, enhance the professional credibility of our teachers and support our teachers with continuous professional development,” the minister said.
Officials said the framework will provide clearer career pathways for teachers while strengthening professional accountability and recognising educators who continue to build their competencies throughout their careers.
One of the most significant changes under the new framework will be the introduction of a teaching licence.
Once the system is established, teachers will need to obtain a licence before they can teach in schools, bringing the profession closer to internationally recognised professional practices.
“Once we establish these frameworks in place, teachers will be issued a teaching licence to teach in the schools,” education minister said.
The minister added that receiving a licence will not be the end of a teacher’s professional journey. Instead, teachers will be expected to continue developing their skills through regular training and professional development programs supported by the ministry.
“Further, they will have to undergo a lot of trainings, which the ministry will also be providing. The ministry is committed to providing continuous professional development for our teachers and ensure that the quality of education is improved in the schools,” the minister said.
The ministry believes continuous professional development is essential to ensuring that teachers remain responsive to changing educational needs and are able to adopt new teaching methods and approaches that improve student learning.
The reforms are part of the government’s broader efforts to professionalism teaching by strengthening standards, improving accountability and creating opportunities for career advancement.
Through the revised BPST, the teacher registration and professional certification framework, and the introduction of teaching licences, the ministry aims to build a competent, motivated and future-ready teaching workforce.
Officials said investing in teacher professionalism remains one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of education, as teachers play a central role in shaping students’ learning experiences and preparing young people for the future.
Once implemented, the new frameworks are expected to provide a stronger foundation for teacher development while ensuring that every classroom is led by qualified, professionally certified and continuously trained educators capable of meeting the demands of 21st-century education.
