Policy Dialogue at School of Education Explores Teacher Effectiveness and Workforce Management

On September 24, 2025 LUMS School of Education (SOE) in collaboration with the DARE-RC hosted a policy dialogue in Lahore on Improving Teacher Effectiveness and Workforce Management. The dialogue brought together policymakers, researchers, and education leaders to discuss how data-driven reforms can strengthen teaching quality and improve learning outcomes, particularly for Punjab’s most marginalized children.

The event opened with a welcome note from Dr. Tayyaba Tamim, Dean of SOE LUMS, followed by contextual framing from Dr. Ehtasham Anwar, Team Lead DARE-RC.

Key presentations included:

• Dr. Farah Nadeem on The Digital Evolution in Teacher Development: Analysis of Punjab’s CPD System
• Dr. Farooq Naseer on The Teacher e-Transfer Policy in Punjab and its Impact on Accountability and Outcomes
• Dr. Soufia Siddiqi on Teacher Learning as a Mediator of Teaching Quality at Primary Schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The presentations were followed by an interactive panel dialogue featuring Dr. Monazza Aslam, Dr. Faisal Bari, and Dr. Irfan Muzaffar, and concluded with a Q&A and synthesis session.

Throughout the dialogue, participants emphasized the importance of evidence-based policymaking. Speakers underscored the need to strengthen continuous professional development, manage teacher mobility more effectively, and ensure that workforce policies are aligned with equity and quality goals.

• Mazhar Siraj, Education Team Leader at FCDO, highlighted Punjab’s leadership in education reform and its longstanding collaboration with FCDO.
• Muhammad Khan Ranjha, Secretary, Special Education Department Punjab, reflected on the challenges of teacher transfers and their implications for student learning.
• Dr. Monazza Aslam, Research Director at DARE-RC, shared insights into DARE-RC’s research portfolio across the teacher lifecycle—from recruitment and deployment to retention and leadership.
• Kamran Khan, Policy Engagement Lead at DARE-RC, drew attention to ongoing work on climate resilience, pedagogy, disability, and inclusion.

The dialogue reaffirmed DARE-RC’s commitment to bridging research, policy, and practice. By generating rigorous evidence and fostering dialogue, DARE-RC and SOE LUMS aim to strengthen classrooms, empower teachers, and improve learning opportunities for every child in Punjab.