Teachers make the biggest difference in the classroom when it comes to learning. In an evolving world where education and skills play a vital role in personal, social and economic development, motivated, qualified and well-supported teachers are essential to prepare learners for the future of societies and work. World Teachers' Day is observed annually on 5 October to celebrate how teachers are transforming education, to reflect on the support they need to fully deploy their talent and vocation, and to rethink the path forward for the profession.

The 2024 World Teacher's Day is celebrated under the international theme "Valuing teachers' voices: towards a new social contract for education." The theme highlights the importance of integrating teachers' perspectives into education policies and forging a supportive environment for their professional development. This theme responds to the significant challenges highlighted by the UN Secretary General's High-level Panel on the Teaching Profession, and UNESCO's recent Global Report on Teachers, including a growing teacher workforce shortage.

This year, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) and UNESCO hosted a national celebration for World Teachers' Day on 26 September at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC) in Phnom Penh, under the national theme "Teacher development to enhance human capital towards Cambodia's Vision 2050". The event was presided over by H.E. Dr Hang Chuon Naron, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sport, and Mr Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia. Over 2,000 participants attended, including MoEYS leaders, officials from central and provincial levels, school directors, teacher educators, teachers, and development partners.

In the past decade, the MoEYS has placed a strong emphasis on strengthening the teaching profession as a cornerstone of Cambodia's education reform efforts. Central to these priorities is building a high-quality teacher workforce, which is key to ensuring long-term improvements in education outcomes. The MoEYS has also been committed to investing in teacher professional development, improving the quality of initial teacher education, and attracting highly qualified individuals into the profession. Additionally, elevating the role and status of teachers in society and improving data systems for effective teacher management are essential steps in realising Cambodia's vision for a sustainable, knowledge-based future. These strategic priorities underscore the Ministry's dedication to creating an education system that supports teachers as the drivers of national development.

During the celebration, the MoEYS launched a report documenting the key achievements and progress of teacher education reforms in Cambodia over the last decade from 2014-2024. With contributions from UNESCO, other Development Partners (DPs) and relevant stakeholders, this publication highlights the evolution of the teacher education system, key supporting policies, innovative case studies, collaborative efforts, and significant milestones in three phases - pre-2014, 2014-2024, and plans towards 2030 and 2050.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Deputy Minister and Minister of Education Youth and Sport, Dr Hang Chuon Naron emphasised the importance of teacher development to enhance human resources for the sustainable development of Cambodia. "Teachers are important agents in improving students' learning outcomes. Enhancing the quality and excellence of teachers is a key factor; as such the MoEYS will continue to reform Teacher Education Institutions to become Centres of Excellence in providing quality and excellent pre-service and in-service training to teachers at all educational levels in response to emerging needs. Teacher development requires a holistic and comprehensive teacher education policy that responds to the ever-changing national needs in education, socio-economic development, and promotion of teachers' status in society."

Human resource development has been identified as one of the leading strategic priorities in the national development agenda, the Pentagonal Strategy - Phase 1. During the 2022 Transforming Education Summit at the 77th UN General Assembly, the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) reiterated its commitment to achieve SDG4 on quality education towards Cambodia's Education Roadmap 2030. The National Statement of Commitment places "high-quality teaching force" at the heart of efforts to transform the education system into a sustainable, knowledge-based society, in line with Cambodia's goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieving high-income status by 2050.

In his opening remarks, Mr Sardar Umar Alam, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, emphasised that, "Let us ensure that teachers are supported to empower generations of young Cambodians to fully realize their potential. By providing educators with the professional development opportunities, innovative teaching methods and tools, digital competencies, and elevated professional status, we can inspire a new era of learning. Together, we will nurture a generation equipped with the skills and creativity to shape Cambodia's future"

Since 2018, MoEYS and UNESCO have jointly implemented Strengthening Teacher Education Programmes in Cambodia (STEPCam) to support teacher education reforms in Cambodia. With a total investment of USD $27.02 million through two phases financed by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), STEPCam is one of the largest teacher education programmes in Cambodia. Based on the achievement of Phase I, benefiting over 230,000 students and 130,000 education staff, Phase II of STEPCam has been launched to implement over three years starting in 2024. Aligning with the forthcoming Education Sector Plan (ESP) 2024-2028 and the Teacher Policy Action Plan (TPAP) 2024-2028, the Phase II STEPCam continues to prioritise teacher education, teacher professional development and early-grade classroom learning, with an overarching focus on digital transformation in education.

For further information about STEPCam, please contact:

Sopha Ang, STEPCam Project Officer, UNESCO Phnom Penh Office, Tel: 012 982 117, Email: [email protected]

H.E. Dr. Khuon Vichheka, Director General of Teacher Education and Development and MoEYS Spokesperson, Tel: 012 954 665, Email: [email protected]

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