Proposed practising certificate for teachers sparks concern among Hong Kong educators
Education Bureau’s proposed tightening of teacher registration prompts some educators to question if extra pressure will drive talent away
A proposal by the Hong Kong government to require teachers to obtain a practising certificate has sparked concern in the education sector, with some questioning whether the measure will place more pressure on frontline educators and drive talent away.
The contentious proposal was announced in a supplementary booklet to the policy address and was not read out by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu during his annual speech on Wednesday.
“[The Education Bureau will] enhance the teacher registration mechanism and explore amending the Education Ordinance to introduce the practising certificate and regular renewal requirements,” the booklet said.
The certificate would “ensure that all schoolteachers in Hong Kong are fit and proper persons [for the job], thus upholding the professionalism of the teaching force”.
A government source said the Education Bureau would submit the amendment to the legislature next year and implement it following approval from lawmakers.
The new measure would mean that educators in Hong Kong must not only attain a postgraduate diploma to become a formally registered teacher, but also secure a practising certificate from the bureau, with a validity that requires regular renewal in line with their professional development.