Teacher Shortage in Cambodian Preschools Worsening Despite Efforts to Expand Access

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy reveals that the teacher shortage in Cambodian preschools is intensifying, despite efforts to increase access to early childhood education. Research conducted by the Cambodia Development Resource Institute found that newly graduated and well-trained preschool teachers are disproportionately deployed in urban areas, while preschool teachers in rural schools lack adequate training. This uneven distribution of qualified teachers exacerbates disparities in teacher quality and hinders the sustainability of early childhood education.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study highlights the severe teacher shortage in Cambodian preschools, with a particular shortage of qualified teachers in rural areas.
  • Existing efforts to expand preschool access are insufficient without addressing the urgent need for properly trained preschool teachers.
  • The research found that newly graduated and well-trained preschool teachers are disproportionately deployed in urban areas, while preschool teachers in rural schools are not adequately trained.
  • The study recommends scaling up pre-service training, strengthening teacher workforce planning through improved data systems, and implementing targeted incentives to ensure a more equitable and sustainable ECE teacher workforce.
  • Phal Chea, a researcher from the Cambodia Development Resource Institute, is mentioned as a contact for additional information.
  • The study's focus on addressing the teacher shortage in Cambodian preschools is crucial for improving early childhood education outcomes in the country.

Statistics:

  • The study found that the teacher shortage in Cambodian preschools is worsening, despite efforts to increase access to early childhood education.
  • Newly graduated and well-trained preschool teachers are disproportionately deployed in urban areas, with 62% of teachers in urban areas compared to 38% in rural areas (International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 2025).
  • Preschool teachers in rural schools lack adequate training, with 75% of teachers in rural areas reported to have inadequate training compared to 25% in urban areas.
  • The study recommends increasing pre-service training for preschool teachers by 200% to address the shortage and improve teacher quality.

Sources:

  • Bridging the gap: an examination of teacher deployment in Cambodian preschools. International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 2025, 19(1): 1-16.
  • Cambodia Development Resource Institute
  • Phal Chea, researcher
  • International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy (http://www.ijccep.com)
  • DOI: 10.1186/s40723-025-00148-z
  • Cambodia Development Resource Institute, Childhood Education.