Kuwait is mulling the introduction of a mandatory teacher's license to help improve staff performance and boost education standards, Kuwaiti sources have said.
The certification will be given to teachers who pass specifically designed exams and will be valid for five years.
"Education Minister Dr Modhi Al Humood is pushing for the official adoption of the measure and will advocate its merits with the competent authorities and the higher learning council," said the sources, quoted but not named by Al Nahar daily.
"The minister is determined to go ahead with the idea, particularly after she gained insights into the Qatari experience highlighted at a recent GCC meeting in Riyadh."
Qatar's Supreme Education Council (SEC) this year introduced a professional licence system for teachers, principals and school operators in Independent Schools to ensure that only highly qualified teachers and principals are hired or allowed to remain active.
The Council set up an agency, Qatar Office for Registration, Licensing and Accreditation, to "help support and improve the quality of teachers and school leader practice to ensure it is aligned with the SEC’s National Professional Standards for Teachers and School Leaders (NPSTSL)."
The standards define the abilities and knowledge necessary for teachers and school operators as well as the teaching and leadership practices in independent schools. Teachers must demonstrate competence in 12 areas and school leaders have to meet seven standards.
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief