Cambodianess /
PHNOM PENH — The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has accredited English teacher training programs run by the Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO) for nationwide implementation.
The two programs to be implemented are English for Public Primary Schools and English for Teachers. They are part of continuous professional development, giving teachers and contract teachers opportunities to earn development credits, increase their salaries and advance professionally.
Each program runs for six months for primary school teachers, with three hours of training per week. Sessions can be on weekends or weekdays, depending on the availability of participants.
English for Public Primary Schools is designed for public school teachers, including contract teachers, focusing on practical classroom methodologies and sustainable teaching practices.
English for Teachers aims to improve language proficiency, ensuring teachers possess the linguistic competency necessary for effective instruction.
The programs also address critical gaps in Cambodia’s education system, where many primary and secondary teachers lack national qualifications.
With more than 13,000 contract teachers and schools relying on double shifts to meet demand, the need for comprehensive teacher support has never been greater. TDSO aims to offer pathways for professional development and career advancement.
Although the programs were officially accredited in August, TDSO has more than 10 years of experience in training educators. The organization first launched the English teacher training programs in 2017. From 2020 to 2025, the programs trained 375 teachers in Siem Reap province, where they are still being implemented.
Nationwide Implementation
Son Nat, executive director of TDSO, said accreditation is more than recognition for the programs. It embodies the organization’s commitment to strengthening Cambodia's educational infrastructure rather than creating parallel systems.
“After nearly a decade of successful implementation in Siem Reap province, we are now positioned to support teachers nationwide through systematic integration with government institutions,” he said.
Tem Tola, director of quality assurance, said a shortage of trainers and long-distance travel pose challenges, especially when trainers travel through waterways and rough roads to reach rural or remote areas. Some trainers also have to endure difficult weather and poor road conditions.
“First challenge, we lack human resources — trainers who can travel to the provinces to conduct training. The second challenge is that staff often have to go far, even to Phnom Kulen in Siem Reap,” he said.
Education staff and local authorities actively participate to support and coordinate with the trainers. Coaching is provided to observe and guide educators in the classroom, Tola said.
TDSO will work with teacher training Institutions in 18 target provinces first, including Siem Reap, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kampong Thom, Kratie, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot, Takeo, Kandal, Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng and Banteay Meanchey.
With the nationwide rollout, TDSO programs will reach thousands of teachers, supporting the professional development of Cambodia’s 130,000-strong teaching workforce and benefiting nearly four million students.
Accreditation makes TDSO a key partner in the Royal Government’s Teacher Education Reform (2024–2030), helping build teacher capacity and share expertise.
By 2030, the programs’ systems and methodologies will be fully integrated into the education system, with full ownership transferred to public sector partners.
