‘Difficult to find good teachers for English and social studies’

Madhvi Chandra, Associate Director, Gitanjali Group of Schools, Hyderabad

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One of the most significant challenges schools face today is finding qualified teachers, particularly in certain subjects. It’s very difficult to find good teachers for English and social studies.  Chandra explains. “English-speaking professionals often gravitate towards multinational corporations (MNCs) due to their strong communication skills, leaving a gap in schools.”

Chandra also notes that personal circumstances often play a role in teacher turnover. “Many teachers leave because their spouses are transferred to new locations or due to family commitments. Teaching, being a predominantly female profession, is especially affected by these factors,” she adds.

Retaining Quality Teachers

Retention is another critical issue for schools. At Gitanjali Group of Schools, several measures are in place to address this. “We focus on creating a supportive working environment where teachers have the freedom to innovate and experiment,” says Chandra. “We also invest in teacher training workshops and in-house sessions to help educators enhance their skills.

Personal connections with the leadership team and a clear career growth ladder are vital elements of our retention strategy.”

The Impact of Location on Recruitment

The location of a school significantly influences its ability to recruit teachers. “If you’re in an area with a residential, educated population, recruitment is easier,” Chandra observes. “However, schools on the outskirts or in remote areas face more difficulties.”

This challenge is compounded in rural and tribal regions, where teacher shortages are most acute. “It takes a specific kind of person to work in these areas,” Chandra remarks. “They need to have a passion for teaching and a willingness to embrace a simpler lifestyle. Unfortunately, such mindsets are becoming increasingly rare.”

The Importance of Teacher Training

With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the demand for skilled educators has risen significantly. “The NEP has introduced many new responsibilities for teachers, making training more crucial than ever,” Chandra emphasises. “However, our current teacher education system often focuses on outdated theories. We need to update the curriculum to reflect modern educational needs and emphasise hands-on, practical experiences.”

Creating a Supportive Work Environment

Beyond monetary compensation, non-financial benefits play a significant role in attracting and retaining teachers. “A positive work environment is essential,” Chandra asserts. “Teachers should feel safe, valued, and appreciated. Teaching is a deeply satisfying profession when educators enjoy working with children and feel supported in their roles.”

Making Teaching Competitive

To make teaching an attractive career option, it needs to compete with other trending professions. “Introducing HR practices from the corporate world could help professionalise teaching,” Chandra suggests. “Providing clear career growth opportunities and changing societal perceptions of the profession are equally important.”

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