The Power of Teachers: Transforming Education Through Leadership

Teachers do more than deliver lessons—they shape the worldviews of children, transform learning outcomes, instill confidence, and help students flourish, even in challenging circumstances. This fundamental truth drives Teach for Pakistan- an initiative that is not just about education but about creating a leadership force to drive systemic change. In the final episode of the podcast Let’s Talk Education Season 3 (a collaboration between Society for Access to Quality Education and Pakistan Youth Change Advocates), host Areebah Shahid sat down with Khadija Bakhtiar, Founder and CEO of Teach for Pakistan, to discuss how this model is working to reshape the education landscape in Pakistan.

Teach for Pakistan is inspired by the global Teach for America movement, which Khadija first encountered while pursuing her Master’s in Public Policy in the U.S. Witnessing how passionate young individuals were driving educational reform in their communities, she felt compelled to bring this model to Pakistan. “If we want large-scale, far-reaching, sustainable change in our education system, we need more than just financial resources. We need dedicated people who understand what needs to change and are committed to make it happen,” she explained.

Breaking Barriers in Education

One of the biggest challenges in Pakistan’s education system is the lack of well-trained and motivated teachers. Teach for Pakistan addresses this by recruiting exceptional university graduates in struggling schools, where they not only teach for two years but also serve as role models and catalysts for change. “A great teacher can close a four-year learning gap in just two years,” Khadija noted, highlighting the impact that a single committed educator can have.

Beyond academics, these fellows work closely with principals, teachers, parents, and communities to create an ecosystem that supports student learning. This collaborative approach ensures that the impact doesn’t fade when a fellow completes their tenure. “When our fellows implement structured lesson plans and effective classroom management techniques, we see other teachers adopting these practices as well. It creates a ripple effect,” she shared.

A Long-Term Commitment

The program’s success isn’t measured only by what happens in the classroom. After completing their fellowship, Teach for Pakistan alumni become part of a growing leadership movement, working on issues like curriculum reform, policy advocacy, and educational governance. Today, over 300 alumni are actively involved in improving Pakistan’s education sector, ensuring that the impact of their work extends far beyond their initial two-year teaching experience.

Khadija emphasized the importance of long-term partnerships with schools rather than temporary interventions. “You can’t change an entire school in just two years. Real transformation requires sustained engagement, where each new batch of fellows builds on the work of the previous ones,” she explained. This commitment to continuity and collaboration ensures that improvements are deeply embedded within the system.

“Our education system doesn’t just need policies on paper—it needs people with the conviction and expertise to implement those policies effectively,” Khadija asserted. The solution lies in developing a network of change makers who can work across all levels of the education sector, from classrooms to policymaking bodies.

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Scaling for a Better Future

Unlike many donor-driven education initiatives that struggle with sustainability, Teach for Pakistan has steadily expanded its reach over the years. From its pilot program in 2011 to a national presence today, the initiative has grown significantly, attracting thousands of applicants each year. “When we started, people doubted whether anyone would commit two years of their career to teaching. Today, we receive over 4,000 applications for just 120 fellowship spots,” Khadija shared proudly.

The key to this success? A steadfast commitment to the mission of creating a movement that will continue to shape the future of learning in the country.

As Areebah concluded the conversation, she reflected on the program’s profound impact. “Every time I hear about Teach for Pakistan, I am amazed by how much it has grown and evolved. It’s not just about education—it’s about reimagining what’s possible when passionate individuals come together to create change.”

In a country where education reform and teachers training remain pressing challenges, initiatives like Teach for Pakistan offer a beacon of hope—a reminder that real change begins with the people who dare to lead it.

Tap below to watch the full episode ⤵️