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Most of the primary schools in Cumilla are currently operating without appointed head teachers. In the district, there are a total of 2,107 government primary schools. Shockingly, 1,018 of these schools are running without a designated head teacher. Furthermore, there is a significant shortage of assistant teachers, with 524 positions remaining vacant in these schools. This situation is severely affecting the education of young students and requires urgent attention and intervention.
The ongoing shortage of teachers in these institutions is causing recurring disruptions to the teaching and learning process. This issue has persisted year after year, leading to adverse consequences for both students and the existing teaching staff. The current teachers are compelled to shoulder an increased workload and additional pressure, which negatively impacts their ability to deliver quality education.
Moreover, parents and members of the school management committees have grown increasingly frustrated and disheartened due to this persisting problem. Despite the protests at the district education office and efforts to address the teacher shortage crisis, a satisfactory resolution remains elusive. Many parent representatives have expressed their anger and disappointment over the situation, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to address this issue and ensure a quality education for all students.
According to information from the District Primary Education Office, there are a total of 8,05,336 students enrolled in the 2,107 government primary schools in Cumilla. Worryingly, 1,018 of these schools are currently operating without appointed head teachers. In the absence of head teachers, the day-to-day operations of these institutions are being overseen and managed by the assistant teachers, adding to their workload and responsibilities.
Furthermore, the situation is compounded by the fact that 524 assistant teacher positions remain unfilled in these schools. The prolonged vacancies of both head teachers and assistant teachers have resulted in a breakdown of administrative discipline within these institutions. This critical shortage of teachers, along with the lack of quality education, is adversely affecting the students' academic performance, leading to subpar results.
Several concerned parents have pointed out that the persistent shortage of teachers is significantly impacting the students' academic performance, primarily due to irregular teaching. Students attending these schools are at risk of achieving poor results unless prompt and necessary measures are taken to rectify this situation.
The acute shortage of teachers in these schools is resulting in daily teaching activities that are far from ideal, leading to significant disruptions in the learning process. As a consequence, students have been struggling and performing poorly in their studies. The situation has been exacerbated in most upazilas where female teachers are on maternity leave, and many assistant teachers have been absent for an extended period due to training or other reasons.
To ensure a quality education for students and improve their academic outcomes, it is imperative to address the teacher shortage issue promptly and comprehensively. This will require efforts to fill vacant teacher positions, provide necessary training and support, and maintain regular teaching schedules to mitigate the negative impact on students' learning.
According to experts, elementary school is considered the foundation for developing the intelligence, critical thinking, and talents of young students. It plays a pivotal role in shaping their educational journey. However, if students are not taught in a proper and effective manner during these crucial years, it can have a profoundly negative impact on the entire education system. Quality education at the elementary level is essential for nurturing students' cognitive and creative abilities and setting them on a path towards academic success and personal development.
It's concerning that school teachers are conducting classes as they see fit, and in some cases, a single teacher is responsible for teaching two classes, in addition to their administrative duties. This not only places a heavy burden on the teachers but also results in students studying the same subject(s) for extended periods, which can lead to boredom and a loss of interest in school.
Many parents have voiced their concerns about the examination results in these schools not meeting their expectations. Moreover, frustration is growing because even schools that are generally performing well are not achieving the anticipated results.
District Education Officer Shafiul Alam has acknowledged the ongoing crisis related to the shortage of head teachers. He mentioned that there are complexities surrounding this issue, but he expressed hope that the government would expedite the resolution process. Mr. Alam also stated that the vacant positions of assistant teachers would be filled shortly, with the assurance of 100% recruitment after the examination process is completed. Additionally, he mentioned that head teachers would be promoted in line with the government's announcement.
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