On World Teacher’s Day, attention turns to the essential role of teachers in shaping education policies that impact student learning. A study, commissioned by DFAT and led by ACER, explored how teachers' perspectives can enhance education reforms in Vanuatu, Lao PDR, and Timor-Leste. The study focused on professional development initiatives and their role in helping teachers implement new curricula and teaching methods.
Through surveys, interviews, and 190 classroom observations, ACER gathered insights into the challenges teachers face and their experiences with reforms. This research informed country-specific recommendations to improve teaching practices and student outcomes. A key outcome was the development of a classroom observation tool, now available as an online training resource, which supports schools and systems in improving teaching quality by using teachers’ feedback.