ADDITIONAL TEACHERS TO TAKE UP POSITIONS IN MARCH 2001

In response to a pressing need of teachers in East Timor, an additional 900 primary and 100 secondary school teachers will be employed by the first week of March 2001. Priority will be given to teachers who failed the previous entry test last May. In order to ensure immediate placement of teachers, the Education Department, in conjunction with District Education Officers, has established a series of criteria for the recruitment of the primary teachers. Previous national test scores will be considered in order to establish a minimum level of competence. Teachers are expected to take up positions outside their home districts in order to fill gaps in districts lacking qualified staff. The 100 secondary school teachers will be recruited following specific requests from the districts.