One Size Doesn't Fit All: Teacher Education In Developing Pacific Island Countries

Abstract

In global terms, the world is facing chronic teacher shortages "that will persist beyond 2015 for future decades to come if current trends continue" (UNESCO, 2013). UNESCO reports that the East Asia and Pacific Region need to fill an additional 57,000 teaching positions to achieve universal primary education standards. The closing of the global teacher gap requires development of new policies and strategies in hand with a financial commitment that has a long-term focus. In one developing Pacific Island country, a new model is being implemented where they have partnered with an Australian university to develop quality teacher education programs with a Pacific focus. This article will report on the needs analysis, the development of this strategy, the design hurdles, and the implementation phase of the project.