How to become a teacher in Palau

The Republic of Palau requires about 300 to 320 teachers to meet the needs of grade levels 1 to 12. The teacher pool is limited and reflects the general population with less the half possessing a bachelor's degree.

Teacher quality is a mix of several factors with educational level being one of the primary addressable ones. Given the above situation, educational level has been an important focus in the Ministry of Education's efforts to improve teacher quality.

In recent years the ministry has attempted to increase teachers' educational levels through systemic change, by establishing a teacher certification system. Because this effort had not succeeded due to political or other pressure, the Ministry has been implementing alternative programs to address teacher educational level.

Collaborating with the only local IHE, a teaching program culminating in an AA/AS degree is now established in Palau Community College and students who complete the program are recruited into the public school teaching ranks. Also, on-board teachers who do not have an AA/AS degree are supported to enroll in and complete the program, taking classes at night or during the summer.

Also, collaborating with the local IHE, a bachelor program has been implemented to allow on-board teachers and graduates of the local IHE to pursue baccalaureate degrees in Education.

The Palau National Congress has passed Palau Teacher Certification Law - mandating the Ministry of Education to promulgate rules and regulations towards implementation. Accordingly, the Ministry is working toward that outcome - aiming to implement the 1st phase of the Palau Teacher Certification System tentatively by August 2020.