By Hawa Dolley
MONROVIA, Oct. 7 (LINA)-Liberia has highlighted efforts to improve teacher welfare, professional growth and retention as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s education system.
Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah made the remarks while representing Liberia at UNESCO Headquarters during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day ministerial panel, held under the theme, “Elevating the Status of Teachers: Ministerial Perspectives and Shared Priorities.”
The panel brought together education leaders from Liberia, Brunei Darussalam, Uganda and Malta to discuss challenges facing teachers and approaches to strengthening the profession globally.
Minister Jallah said Liberia’s efforts are centered on three priorities: protecting the teaching workforce, professionalizing the profession and improving the conditions teachers need to remain and succeed in their careers.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to transition qualified volunteer teachers onto the government payroll, strengthen workforce verification, expand professional development and certification, and improve career pathways for teachers.
According to the Minister, Liberia is also paying attention to the challenges teachers face in rural communities, where working conditions and access to support can affect teacher retention.
She described Liberian teachers as “steadfast” and expressed hope that the profession would be “thriving” over the next decade.
Liberia’s participation in the UNESCO discussion placed the country’s education reforms within a broader global conversation about teacher investment, retention, professional development and improving the status of the teaching profession.
The World Teachers’ Day panel provided an opportunity for Liberia to share its experiences while also engaging with other countries on common priorities for the future of teaching.