Early retirement of teachers on the rise

PETALING JAYA: With close to 12,000 teachers going on early retirement between 2022 and 2023, education groups warn of a growing shortage that can affect learning.

The early exodus, they said, could lead to those still in the profession being forced to teach subjects they are not well-versed in.

“Losing teachers, especially the seniors, due to early retirement can negatively affect the morale of those who opt to stay on.

“This indirectly affects the academic performance of students,” said Malaysian Association for Education secretary Hamidi Mook­kaiyah Abdullah.

Calling for urgent action, he said something must be done fast to arrest the trend of experienced teachers opting for early retirement before the country’s education system is severely impacted.

Improved incentives, like performance-based bonuses, should be given to attract and retain teachers, he added.

This, he said, must be carried out in tandem with measures to reduce clerical work of educators.

The former teacher who himself opted for early retirement in 2015, suggested that a comprehen­sive survey be done to understand why teachers are leaving the noble profession.

“We need to get to the bottom of this. We cannot simply shrug when teachers leave.

“A happy teacher is an asset. School management should also be trained on the best ways to manage senior teachers,” he added.

Both the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) and Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) stressed that academic lessons should be the priority for teachers and not administrative work.

NUTP secretary-general Fouzi Singon said teachers should also be afforded teaching autonomy as it can allow them to provide extra assistance to students who are struggling to master certain subjects.

“For example, students who have not mastered their basic 3M skills – reading, writing and counting, should be given greater attention as it allows them to better understand the subjects taught,” he said.

Citing a recent study by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia on rising stress among teachers due to work-related messages outside of their working hours, he said emotional stress was among the reasons highlighted by tea­chers considering leaving the profession.

“They tell us that they are confused about the administrative tasks they have to carry out in schools.

“Their work-related stress is brought on by non-essential tasks, clerical work, pressure from autocratic and overly-pressing administrators, and their lack of digital skills,” he said.

PAGE chairperson Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said tea­cher shortage and overburdened teachers are a long-standing pro­blem that could further worsen if the Education Ministry fails to take the complaints seriously.

She said the shortage of tea­chers could force parents to send children for tuition classes to improve studies.

“Parents who cannot afford tuition classes may find their children losing interest in learning,” she said, adding that the lack of educators coupled with poor plan­ning could lead to teachers having to handle bigger classes.

“Classes will have to be combined because of the shortage, meaning that one teacher may have as many as 60 students at any given time,” she said.

In 2023, 6,394 teachers went on early retirement – an increase from the previous year where 5,306 left the profession, deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh told the Dewan Rakyat last year (see infographic).

And, according to the Education Ministry in a Parliamentary written reply on June 26 last year, the majority of teachers left early because they were uninterested in their roles. Other factors were family, health, job duties and personal reasons.

To encourage teachers to join – and stay – in the field, it is important to address key factors such as work conditions, recognition and professional growth opportunities, according to SK Taman Pelangi Semenyih teachers Najat Mohamad and Muhammad Fir­daus Ismail Mahmad Fuad.

English language teacher Najat said one of the most effective ways to attract talent is by highlighting the positive impact tea­chers make.

Teaching is not just about deli­vering lessons – it involves sha­ping young minds and contribu­ting to community development, she said.

While teachers must have passion to be in the profession, it is important to improve the working conditions in schools if we want to retain talent, she added.

“A good class size is important. Classrooms must not be overcrowded. Reduce administrative burdens and provide adequate resources to support teachers in their role,” she suggested.

“Recognising teacher contributions through awards in both curriculum and extracurricular acti­vities can motivate them to continue giving their best.

“It may also inspire them to introduce new ideas and initiatives in the future,” said Najat who has been a teacher for the past 17 years.

Bahasa Melayu and physical education teacher Muhammad Firdaus Ismail said ensuring teachers remain in the profession requires a multi-faceted approach.

“Professional development opportunities are key in keeping teachers engaged and motivated.

“Continuous learning through training programmes, workshops and career advancement initiatives can enhance their skills and confidence, making teachers feel valued,” he said.