Samtse College of Education Launches New BEd Programs in Biology/Chemistry and Maths/Physics
On July 30th, Samtse College of Education (SCE) welcomed its first cohort of students into two newly introduced Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) programs in Biology/Chemistry and Maths/Physics. These programs, which have enrolled 32 students in Biology/Chemistry and 19 in Maths/Physics, mark a significant expansion of the college’s commitment to strengthening STEM education in Bhutan.
The introduction of these specialized programs is a strategic response to the ongoing shortage of qualified teachers in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. Ugyen Dorji, the program leader, emphasized the importance of these new offerings, stating, “The reintroduction of B.Ed science programs, with a focus on STEM education, is a vital move to diversify and enhance the STEM field in Bhutan. We are not just preparing teachers; we are shaping the future of education by ensuring that our students receive the best possible training in these critical subjects.”
In addition to the new Science programs, SCE also admitted students into its existing B.Ed courses in English/History and English/Geography, which were launched last year. This year, 35 students enrolled in English/History and another 35 in English/Geography, reflecting the College’s commitment to offering a broad range of educational opportunities..
The new programs have generated excitement among students. Yeshey Peldon, a first-year student, expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m eager to gain the skills needed to effectively teach and inspire future students.”
Ugyen Dorji also highlighted the broader benefits of these new programs, noting that training teachers within Bhutan not only helps prevent the outflow of foreign reserves but also ensures that Bhutanese children are educated by teachers who are proficient in effective teaching methodologies and grounded in Bhutanese values. “This initiative is a crucial step in addressing the teacher shortage and will have lasting benefits for our education system,” he added.
As SCE continues to expand its offerings and reinforce its commitment to excellence in teaching, the introduction of these new B.Ed programs aligns with the college’s mission to train high-quality STEM teachers for secondary education in Bhutan. This expansion represents a significant milestone in the college’s efforts to shape the future of education in Bhutan, supporting its goal of fostering innovation and excellence in the teaching profession.
