1. Use More Flexible Terms of Employment

• Reconsider permanent tenure as it may reduce motivation for continuous professional growth.

• Introduce periodic certificate renewal (every 5–7 years) to ensure ongoing teacher effectiveness.

2. Establish Transparent and Fair Evaluation Systems

• Ensure teacher evaluation involves peers, school leaders, and external experts.

• Develop mechanisms to identify and address ineffective teaching.

• Provide alternative roles or pathways for underperforming teachers.

3. Empower Schools in Teacher Personnel Management

• Give schools more authority over selection, working conditions, and professional development.

• Promote school-level interviews and visits for better candidate-school matching.

• Ensure equitable implementation through:

  • Leadership training in personnel management.

  • More resources for disadvantaged schools.

  • Improved access to labour market data.

  • Ongoing monitoring of decentralised recruitment.

• Maintain equity in teacher distribution via central/regional oversight.

• Provide independent appeals mechanisms to protect teacher rights.

4. Broaden Criteria for Teacher Selection

• Incorporate interviews, lesson planning, and teaching demonstrations.

• Shift focus from seniority to qualities like enthusiasm, commitment, and student-centered attitudes.

• Create pathways for mid-career professionals to enter teaching.

5. Make Probation Mandatory Before Full Certification

• Require a 1–2 year probation period before permanent status.

• Provide supportive and stable environments for new teachers.

• Use trained panels to assess certification readiness.

• Recognize probation completion as a major career milestone.

6. Address Short-Term Staffing Needs and Promote Mobility

• Develop substitute teacher pools to cover short-term absences.

7. Improve Information Flow and Monitor Labour Market

• Close gaps between schools and potential teachers by:

  • Posting all vacancies publicly.

Further Reference

More insights are available in the publication:
“Teachers Matter: Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers”
👉 Visit: www.oecd.org/edu/teacherpolicy