Basic education schools in remote villages and conflict-affected areas of Mon State have reopened for the 2026–2027 academic year, but many are facing serious teacher shortages.
According to education staff, the Basic Education Primary School in Theahpyukone Village, Paung Township, has more than 300 students, but only a headmaster and one assistant teacher. That school is experiencing major difficulties in providing education this academic year.
A resident of Paung Township said that the lack of teaching staff could lead to poor educational quality, irregular teaching schedules, and difficulties managing large numbers of students. Teachers are also becoming overburdened, which will contribute to higher resignation rates.
“One teacher has to manage around 70 students in a single classroom. They cannot provide enough teachers. If that’s the case, they might as well close the school. It’s unreasonable to expect one teacher to teach so many students. The education authorities have done nothing, so the situation remains unchanged. Last year, there were three teachers, but now things have become even worse,” the resident said.
At the Basic Education Primary School in Tathmuchaung Village, Paung Township, there is only one teacher and a headmaster. A resident added that educational support remains weak and suggested that authorities should consider relocating students rather than keeping schools open in name only.
According to a teacher from Kyaikmaraw Township, schools that have reopened after mine-clearance operations are still waiting for newly appointed teachers to arrive.
“Urban schools have plenty of teachers. In some cases, two teachers were assigned to a school, but they refused to go because they were afraid. The previous teachers transferred to schools closer to town, leaving only the headmaster behind. We’ve been told that new teachers will come, but for now, there aren’t enough people. Some schools need at least five teachers,” he said.
A source close to teachers said that the shortage of teaching staff is expected to be discussed during meetings of Mon State parliamentary committees and will be submitted directly to the relevant minister. Therefore, the situation will need to be monitored closely.
Since 2021, security concerns have made teachers reluctant to serve in remote areas. Existing teachers have either transferred to schools closer to urban centres, or they have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM), contributing to a decline in teacher numbers.
According to available information, the education department conducts promotion and transfer processes twice a year—in May and October—to fill vacancies and replace staff in schools facing teacher shortages.
