A Comprehensive Review of Teacher Preparation and Professional Development programs in Ethiopia
Keywords:
Teacher Preparation, Professional Development ProgramsAbstract
The aim of this study is to review the current status of teacher training and professional development programs in Ethiopia. By reviewing existing programs, the study seeks to give recommendations to enhance the quality of education in Ethiopia. In order to accomplish this objective, a desk review methodology is used to examine literature and documents pertaining to the subject. The study reveals challenges faced by Ethiopian teachers, including limited funding for professional development, high workloads, lack of support and mentorship, and inadequate infrastructure and technology. These obstacles hinder teachers’ ability to effectively prepare for lessons and improve teaching practices, leading to decreased enthusiasm and satisfaction. In conclusion, Ethiopian teachers face barriers such as limited funding, high workloads, lack of support, and inadequate infrastructure, hindering their effectiveness. To address these challenges, increased funding, manageable class sizes, mentorship programs, improved infrastructure, and structured incentives are needed. Collaboration, continuous education, promoting women’s participation, and ensuring access to quality training and resources are important policy directions. The recommendations call for increased funding for professional development, reduced teacher workloads, mentorship programs, and investment in infrastructure and technology. Policy suggestions include recruiting trainees with necessary skills, continuous education, and aligning programs with educational levels. Incentives for teachers in challenging areas are proposed to promote quality education. Further research is needed to identify factors leading to inadequate teacher training and to develop successful enhancement strategies.
Downloads
References
Ankomah, Yaw. A., Janet A. Koomson and Rosemary S. Bosu with George K.T. Oduro (2005) A Review on the Concept of Quality in Education: Perspectives From Ghana, EdQual Working Paper 1, Bristol: EdQual.
Dadi, H. (2015). Teacher professional development: Experiences of three selected African countries and the lessons
based Chinese practices. International Journal of African and Asian Studies, 6, 63. Retrieved from http://
www.iiste.org/ISSN2409-6938
Darling-Hammond, L. (2017). Teacher education around the world: What can we learn from international practice?
European Journal of Teacher Education, 40(3), 291-309.
Harris, Douglas N. and Tim R. Sass (2006) Teacher Training, Teacher Quality and Student Achievement, Working
Paper 3, Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data for Education Research, Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin.
Ingersoll, R., & Strong, M. (2011). The impact of induction and mentoring programs for beginning teachers: A critical review of the research. Review of Educational Research, 81(2), 201-233.
Ma, L., & Macaro, E. (2018). Teacher professional development in foreign language education: A review of current
practices and future directions. Language Teaching, 51(4), 564-589
McLeskey, J., & Billingsley, B. (2008). How does the quality and stability of the teaching force influence the research-to-practice gap? A perspective on the teacher shortage in special education. Remedial and Special
Education, 29(5), 293-305.
MOE (1994). Education and Training Policy. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education of Ethiopia (MoE) (2009) Continuous Professional Development for School Teacher (A Guideline). Ministry of Education, Addis Ababa.
MOE (2021). Education Sector Development Program (ESDP VI): 2020/21 – 2024/25 G.C. Addis Ababa: Ministry of
Education.
MOE (2023). New Education and Training Policy. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education (MoE) (2022). Education statistics annual abstract 2009/2010. Addis Ababa: Ministry of Education.
Mohammed, A. (2020) The Status of Teachers’ Professional Development and Code of Ethics: The Case of Madda
Walabu University—Ethiopia. Open Access Library Journal, 7, 1-19. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1106367.
Mpokosa, Chikondi and Susy Ndaruhutse (2008). Managing Teachers: The Centrality of Teacher Management to
Quality Education. Lessons from Developing Countries, London and Reading: CfBT and VSO.
Sachs, J. (2003). The activist teaching profession. Buckingham: Open University Press.
Serbessa, D. (2009). Education as a driver of economic growth: Perspectives from various countries. International
Journal of Educational Development, 29(4), 321-335.
Tefera, T., & Eaton, J. (2014). Teacher professional development in Ethiopia: A review of practices and challenges.
International Journal of Educational Development, 34, 12-21.
World Bank. (2019). Ethiopia - Strengthening Education Quality (SEQ) Project. Retrieved from https://projects.
worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P163033
World Bank. (2022). Learning Poverty in Ethiopia: Status, Key Factors, and Priority Reduction Strategies (Report No.
AUS0002949)
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal Of Teacher Education & Teaching

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
-
Copyright Ownership
All content published in this journal, including articles, images, and other materials, is the exclusive property of the journal. Authors transfer the copyright to the journal upon acceptance for publication. -
Usage Rights
The journal holds the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, and archive all accepted works in any format or medium. Authors may share their published work for non-commercial purposes with proper acknowledgment of the journal as the original publisher. -
Open Access Policy
Articles are made available for reading and downloading for educational and research purposes. Any commercial use or reproduction requires prior written permission from the journal. -
Restrictions
Users may not alter, sell, or republish the content without formal authorization from the journal. -
Third-Party Content
Any material not owned by the journal is clearly identified, and separate permissions may be required for its use. -
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the journal is not liable for any misuse, errors, or omissions in published content. Authors are responsible for the originality and authenticity of their submissions.