Teacher shortage a 'crisis' caused by years of neglect: Minister Shafeeu

Education Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu has said that the shortage of teachers in the Maldives is a “crisis”, blaming years of neglect in the education sector for the current situation.

In a Facebook post published on Wednesday, the minister said the lack of trained Maldivian teachers is a more serious issue than political distractions.

While the previous government raised teachers’ salaries in an attempt to address the shortage, officials say it made little impact on the structural challenges facing the profession.

“Adequate efforts have not been made at the national level to train new teachers in recent years,” said Minister Shafeeu.

“As a result, by the end of 2023, there were no more than 600 teachers qualified to work with students with special educational needs.”

He also pointed to the lack of consideration for teachers’ health, job security, and working conditions, particularly in light of the high cost of living in Male' and the geographic challenges posed by the country's scattered islands.

Shafeeu argued that it would be more practical to accept teachers with one-year diplomas, especially to meet urgent demand for Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers, rather than insisting on full three- or four-year degrees before entering the profession.

“There are many in this country who became teachers through a one-year diploma and went on to be recognised as excellent educators,” he said.

He said that under the 2022 teacher job matrix, a Level 5 (one-year) diploma qualifies teachers for permanent employment in SEN roles. However, he acknowledged this approach has been politically controversial.

“Although it is important for a teacher to eventually hold a degree, this is not a requirement in many countries where teacher shortages exist. Insisting on such a standard in Maldives will not resolve the crisis,” he said.

To address the shortage, the minister called for a broader approach to diversify training pathways, improving facilities, and foster greater respect and recognition for the teaching profession in the society.