Time to Teach – Niger

Teacher absenteeism is one of the major challenges to achieving universal education in many developing countries. Previous studies have identified teacher absenteeism as a particular challenge in Niger. Although local education stakeholders have recognized that absenteeism is a problem, there have been few studies on the factors, policies and practices that affect teacher attendance in Niger.

The Time to Teach study seeks to fill this gap in knowledge. The study’s main objective is to gather information and strengthen the evidence base regarding the different types of absenteeism and the factors affecting primary-school teacher attendance, then provide practical recommendations for improving the design and implementation of policies aimed at teachers. More specifically, the study examines four distinct elements of teacher presence: 1) being present at school, 2) being punctual (i.e. not arriving late or leaving early), 3) being in class (at school), and 4) spending sufficient time teaching (in class).