Pataley Primary School suffers teacher shortage

The Pataley Primary School in Tsirang has been beset by an acute teacher shortage.

Teachers there said if the problem is not solved immediately, it could compromise the quality of education.

There are almost 300 students at the Pataley Primary School. But the school has only six teachers. School authorities said they have asked for three apprentice teachers.

The standard teacher-student ratio in the Kingdom is 1: 31. But at the Pataley Primary School in Tsirang, the teacher student ration is 1: 48.

Teachers said owing to the remoteness of the school not many are willing to come to teach there. They said the Position Classification System which requires new teachers to serve in remote areas at least for three years is not being implemented strictly and in a fair manner. However education officials say there is no favoritism in placement of teachers. They say only genuine cases are considered.

Teachers at Pataley Primary School said most teachers do not want to come to Pataley. Not even as principals. They said already two principals posted at the school refused to come. Therefore, the school is currently managed by an officiating principal.

The District Education Officer Sonam Gyeltshen refused to comment. The Assistant Dzongkhag Education Officer of Tsirang, Chimi Tenzin, said the school will get three apprentice teachers by next month.

Meanwhile, the school’s officiating principal said as a temporary measure, the school is seeking the assistance of two NFE instructors.

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