Supporting Teachers in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

Teachers living in situations of armed conflict, forced displacement, and state fragility risk their lives to be on the frontlines of educating children. Often they are the only educators present, working in difficult and dangerous conditions with little or no support, sometimes without receiving a paycheck for months. Supporting the wellbeing of teachers is essential in any context, but it is particularly important for advancing education during and after violence and crises.

On February 12, the Center for Universal Education at Brookings (CUE) hosted a discussion on the policies needed to support teachers working in fragile and conflict-affected states. The discussion drew on findings from a recent report by CUE and CfBT Education Trust, “Building Effective Teacher Salary Systems in Fragile and Conflict-affected States.” Panelists included: Lori Heninger, director of the Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies; Susy Ndaruhutse, head of international development and education at CfBT Education Trust; and Brookings Senior Fellow Rebecca Winthrop, director of CUE. Yolande Miller-Grandvaux, senior education advisor at the U.S. Agency for International Development, moderated the conversation.