Across the globe, countries are facing teacher shortages – especially in remote or conflict areas – and in certain subject areas such as science and mathematics. It’s time to rethink how we recruit, train, and support qualified teachers. That is why the Education Commission, along with support from the United Kingdom Department for International Development, has launched the Education Workforce Initiative to develop concrete options for policymakers to diversify, expand, and strengthen the education workforce.

As part of the March 2018 launch in Dubai, the initiative’s leadership team hosted a Facebook Live discussion about how new research could help teachers and support professionals meet the changing demands of the 21st century. Check out the video below, and we welcome your questions in the comments section.

In the coming months, a group of international experts – from a range of sectors and including policymakers, implementers, researchers, and teachers – will review the roles required within the education workforce to help young people succeed. An Education Workforce Report will be published in early 2019 to inform education workforce reform and share innovative approaches for implementation.

The Education Workforce Initiative aligns with DFID’s new education policy which sets out how the United Kingdom is investing in teaching to ensure children around the world receive a quality education.

Video presenters in order of appearance: 

  • Lana Wong – Commissioner Attache, Education Commission
  • Liesbet Steer –  Director, Education Commission
  • Ju-Ho Lee – Professor, Korea Development Institute
  • Susan Hopgood – President, Education International
  • Theo Sowa – CEO, African Women’s Development Fund