Teacher competence and teacher quality in Cambodias educational context linked to in-service teacher training: an examination based on a questionnaire survey

Competent teacher is an indispensable pillar for students’ learning outcome and education quality improvement. This paper examines Cambodian teachers’ perception regarding: (1) teacher competence and improving education quality and (2) ensuring teacher quality and in-service teacher training. This study used questionnaire that targeted a line of educational staff of Cambodia: from school to central level. In August, 2012, 230 copies were distributed, and 173 copies (75.22%) were collected. Through concerned notice, it showed that the majority of higher-ranked officials also have experience working at any school education level. As results, it revealed that (a) respondents realized and indicated explicitly that competent teachers do help contribute to student’s learning and promote the level of education quality, and (b) respondents recognized the importance of in-service training because it helps make teachers more confident in the profession as it can bring people’s respects and trust. This paper shortly concludes that Cambodian teachers acknowledge their crucial profession. They further desire to upgrade their capacity by means of continuous professional development through in-service training programs. Thus, structuring a feasible in-service training model for them becomes evidently needed. Expected structure will be organized in accordance with Cambodia’s actual situation and the availability of its resources.    Keywords: Cambodia, quality of education, teacher competence, teacher quality, in-service teacher training.