Editorial | Hong Kong’s teacher certification system must be handled with sensitivity
The move to enhance education quality is a step in the right direction, but officials must ensure the system is fair and transparent
The controversial proposal was disclosed in a supplementary booklet to the fourth policy address tabled by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, but it was not highlighted in his nearly three-hour speech delivered at the Legislative Council last 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.
Few details have been released so far. However, it could mean teachers 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.
The government later explained that it had reviewed the lifetime registration system for teachers amid growing expectations for the role. The issuance of the certificate would be based on whether they had practised in the field and complied with the code of ethics.
Hong Kong has around 160,000 registered teachers, 70,000 of whom are practising. Officials said the certificate was aimed at ensuring teachers had the latest knowledge and avoiding a situation where they might leave the profession for an extended period and rejoin without taking continuing education.
Teachers are understandably worried, especially when the lack of detail at this stage has prevented a comprehensive assessment of the impact. They also take issue with what they see as a lack of consultation. Meanwhile, there are concerns that this policy could result in another brain drain.