Will bringing in teachers from overseas and setting exam papers in New Zealand improve the declining level of education in the nation? The problem is more complex than the ideas put forward by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa on Friday.

It was good to note concern about the failure rate from the national exams and the government’s attempts to solve the education dilemma, and the prime minister’s thoughts on the cause of the degradation. Numeracy and literacy have been dropping, and this is reflected in the national exam results. We have exceptional students as well, which shows that in some classrooms, things are being done right, but overall, things need to change.

The prime minister accurately stated that there is a shortage of teachers. In rural schools, there are teachers teaching three classes. The accepted ratio of teachers to students is one to 40. This shortfall has been present for some time, and the fix will not happen overnight. Overseas teachers can fill these gaps, but if the gaps are large, we will need a horde of educators.

Over 200 teachers are needed to address immediate shortages and "right-size" staffing in Samoan schools. This will ensure a teacher in every classroom, and that is a start. But how do we achieve this? The disparity in teachers’ salaries is also an issue. This is why the government needs to consider making all teachers civil servants. It is a big budgetary ask, but these steps ensure standardisation of wages, which is appropriate and enticing to attract more students to take up the noble profession.

The prime minister’s comparison that local teaching standards do not match up to those in New Zealand, especially questioning the standard of exam papers, has not gone down well with many educators. Maybe he is right. If he is, then all fingers are pointing at the teaching school operated at the national university. Is there a standard criterion or requirements for those entering the teaching profession?

The education courses are fully funded, allowing many students to take up the course. Some have been known to change courses midway because the other professions offer a better salary. That is why teachers are being lost overseas. Building schools is a good thing. The more schools we have, the better it is, but schools need teachers, and we have a shortage of.

While criticism has been levelled against teachers, we have to salute those who have done their part in nation-building. Every day, across Samoa, hundreds of teachers dedicate their time to providing students with quality education. They continue to do so despite facing challenges.

Teachers have to be commended for their dedication and recognise the lasting impact they have on young lives. Most people remember a great teacher from their days at school. We all have one, an amazing person who was not just a teacher to us; they were a mentor, a confidante, and a lasting role model. These are the golden people who provide the supportive environment children need to feel safe enough to explore and express themselves. They help break down barriers, whether social, economic, or cultural, and open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain closed.

The nation faces a serious shortage of teachers, and compounding this situation is that fewer students are taking up courses that would help them become teachers. It is about time that all teachers are brought under the civil service banner and ensured that they have a salary scale, so that people are prompted to join the profession rather than leave it. In the meantime, there is a need to bring retired teachers back into the classrooms to fill the gaps. Education is the way forward for the nation. It holds the key to moving people out of poverty and improving the standard of living for many families.

All that cannot be achieved if the teaching fraternity is not looked after. We want a nation that moves forward and people who make progress. We need teachers. We know that teachers truly change lives.

Have a blessed Sunday.