The Government of Tanzania has outlined major reforms aimed at strengthening the teaching profession through improved regulation, continuous professional development, and the introduction of a structured internship programme for teacher trainees, as part of efforts to enhance the quality of education across the country.
Presenting the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology budget estimates for the 2026/27 financial year in Parliament in Dodoma, Education Minister Prof. Adolf Mkenda said the government will continue to strengthen the management of the teaching profession through the Tanzania Teachers Professional Board.
He said the board will play a key role in regulating professional standards, safeguarding the integrity of the teaching profession, and ensuring that teachers adhere to quality service delivery standards in schools.
According to Prof. Mkenda, the government will also develop national teaching standards guidelines aimed at strengthening continuous professional development for teachers at all levels of education.
The guidelines are expected to ensure that teachers regularly upgrade their skills to keep pace with changes in education systems and modern teaching methods.
He further said that a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for teachers will be introduced to reinforce discipline, accountability, and professionalism within the sector.
The code is expected to guide teachers on expected behaviour and ethical standards while performing their duties in schools.
In a major reform aimed at improving the quality of new teachers, the government will introduce a one-year internship programme for graduates of teacher training colleges.
The programme will give teacher trainees practical classroom experience before full certification and deployment.
Prof. Mkenda said the internship will help bridge the gap between theory learned in training institutions and real classroom practice, ensuring that new teachers are better prepared for teaching responsibilities from the start of their careers.
The government also plans to continue building the capacity of key education stakeholders, including primary and secondary school teachers, teacher educators, school quality assurance officers, and education administrators.
The initiative aims to improve efficiency, strengthen supervision, and enhance the overall quality of education service delivery.
In addition, 1,223 teachers will benefit from government scholarships to pursue Diploma studies in Special Needs Education.
The programme is intended to increase the number of trained professionals capable of supporting learners with special needs and promoting inclusive education.
Furthermore, 3,000 teachers will be trained in counselling and guidance services, with focus on child protection, life skills, and student welfare.
The training is expected to equip teachers with skills to better support learners facing social and psychological challenges in schools.
The government will also train 5,500 education stakeholders, including teachers, education officers, and students, on the use of digital learning platforms such as online libraries and e-learning systems.
The programme aims to strengthen the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching and learning.
According to the Ministry, the expansion of digital learning tools is part of broader efforts to modernize the education sector and ensure that both teachers and students are equipped with relevant digital skills needed in a changing global environment.
These reforms form part of the government’s ongoing commitment to improve education quality, strengthen the teaching profession, and ensure that learners across the country receive better and more effective education services.
