What’s the problem with Egyptian schools? We know that schools are overcrowded, underfunded and lacking in many areas, but when we talk about fixing them, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably resources, or the lack of them. But, are we forgetting a schools most valuable resource?

 

At the centre of every schools progress and culture are the teachers, yet time and time again we see school directors throwing money into resources like technology etc and wondering why the school doesn’t improve. Spending money does not automatically mean an improvement in learning outcomes, especially when it’s on something like technology that nobody knows how to use. For there to be real change in education here in Egypt, the focus needs to shift onto the teachers. Teachers must be seen as a school’s most valuable resource. 

 

It’s easy to say that schools should hire qualified teachers, but what does qualified mean? The fact is, ‘qualified’ means something different in each school. A bachelors degree in English may make a teacher qualified in one school, but not be sufficient for employment in another. There needs to be regulation of teaching qualifications, spearheaded by the government and involving policy change at government level. The government won’t give a medical license to someone with just a degree in biology, so why should it be any different for teachers? If we look at some other countries, we see that there is a minimum requirement, set forth by the government, to be able to secure a teaching job. Teachers have to apply for a teaching license, involving taking an examination  proving that they are capable of managing a class. This means that we can at least be sure that the individuals teaching our children meet the minimum requirement to succeed at it. Shouldn’t this be where our focus should be?

 

What does this mean for schools?

 

Schools, initially, would not welcome such a change. It means that they can’t hire unqualified teachers for low salary and that they have to work a bit harder to fill vacancies. However, the upside of it is that they will have less issues with parent complaints, a more competent teaching body, and better student outcomes. By creating new policy to regulate teachers, schools can shift from being run like businesses that are just out to make profit, to being active places of learning. Not that they ‘can’ but that they would be forced to. This doesn’t mean that schools have to stop making money, but it ensures that the ‘product’ they offer is regulated and has to meet a standard. An acceptable standard, at that. A qualified teacher understands how learning really works, how to create a positive classroom environment, and get results. What school wouldn’t want that?

 

What does this mean for teachers?

 

The idea that anyone with a degree can be a teacher, belittles the profession. Can you imagine how a doctor would feel if anyone with a biology degree could open a clinic? Doctors are held in esteem because they are regulated, and our profession deserves the same. The biggest complaint from teachers is related to salary in Egypt, but that can’t be regulated without qualifications being regulated. How can we demand higher salaries, when someone with no certification will do the job for half the price? Teacher salaries are being undercut by the employment of staff who have no qualifications but will do the job for a fraction of the price. 

 

The only way to change this is to insist on policy that ensures there is a minimum qualification to get employed. From there, a pay scale can be created to make sure that teachers get what they deserve. The truth is, we can’t even unionise because we are not all the same. We can’t insist on a good minimum wage for teachers because how can we insist that someone with a degree in science be paid the same as someone with a degree in education and a license? If we have a basic minimum to get the license to teach, then we can insist that the minimum tier is paid a fair salary. It means teachers will have to complete a course, but in the long run it’s better for us and better for the profession as a whole. 

 

What does this mean for the government? 

 

It means the government will have to stop focusing on ‘quick-fixes’ like putting tablets in classes, and start focusing on teachers. They need to put a policy in place for qualifications, and regulate it. This can be done by creating a teaching license that all staff have to obtain to work, and making sure schools stick to it through more thorough inspections. The upside for the government is that if someone has committed a crime, their license can be revoked. Schools can be safer places, filled with staff who are competent and worthy of the profession. 

 

Over the years, I’ve seen teachers who have created amazing classroom environments with very little resources because they are qualified and know what they are doing. I’ve also seen teachers with amazing resources who don’t know how to use them and have poor outcomes. Spending money on resources but neglecting the teachers rarely results in good student achievement. 

 

Teachers are at the centre of everything, and to improve education in Egypt, we need to work from both sides to regulate the profession, so more of those amazing teachers can get their worth. Let’s stop throwing money into things that don’t work, and start focusing on the resource that really matters – the educators.