Why quality teachers are hard to find?
Education is often described as the backbone of a nation’s development, and teachers are the pillars that support this foundation. Yet, despite the importance of their role, schools across the country are facing a growing challenge - attracting and retaining qualified teachers. Beneath impressive academic results, school rankings, and rising expectations lies a troubling reality: teaching, once considered one of the most respected professions, is steadily losing its appeal among talented young professionals.
The problem extends far beyond unfilled vacancies. It reflects the widening gap between what society expects from teachers and the conditions under which they are expected to work. Over the years, the role of educators has expanded dramatically. A modern teacher is no longer limited to classroom instruction. Teachers today are expected to be mentors, counsellors, administrators, event managers, technology experts, and emotional support systems for both students and parents.
At the same time, their workload has increased significantly. While professional development is necessary for improving education standards, the constant demands often leave little time for creativity, personal well-being, or meaningful engagement with students.
One of the most pressing concerns remains the issue of compensation. Teachers shoulder immense responsibility in shaping young minds, yet salaries in many institutions fail to reflect the effort, expertise, and emotional investment required by the profession. In comparison, the corporate sector generally offers better salaries, performance incentives, flexible work environments, and clearer opportunities for career growth. Employees in corporate jobs often receive recognition for their achievements and enjoy more defined professional boundaries.
Teachers, however, frequently work beyond official hours without adequate compensation. Correcting notebooks late at night, preparing lessons on weekends, organising school events, and managing administrative work have become accepted parts of the profession. Such an imbalance naturally discourages many capable graduates from choosing teaching as a career. Young professionals with strong communication skills, leadership qualities, and subject expertise increasingly prefer corporate careers that promise financial stability, recognition, and work-life balance. Another major challenge is the pressure to constantly deliver measurable results. Teachers are judged not only by their teaching abilities but also by student performance, parent expectations, school reputation, and institutional targets. The rapid integration of technology has added further responsibilities. Teachers are expected to continuously adapt to digital platforms, smart classrooms, and online assessments, often without sufficient support or time. Alongside this, they quietly carry the emotional burden of supporting anxious students and managing behavioural issues. Despite these difficulties, countless teachers continue to serve with dedication and sincerity. However, commitment alone cannot sustain a profession indefinitely. If society truly values education, it must value educators through better salaries, healthier working conditions, mental wellness support, and professional respect. After all, no education system can rise above the quality of its teachers, and neglecting them ultimately means risking the future of an entire generation.
The writer is an educator and a councillor; Views presented are personal.
