Egypt boasts the largest education system in the Middle East with more than 23.5 million preuniversity students, 1 million teachers, and 56,000 schools. While net enrollment in primary education is high (92 percent), learning outcomes are low. The 2016 Progress in International Literacy Study found that fourth-grade students’ reading scores ranked 60th out of 61 participating countries.

The education system in Egypt has low outcomes because:

1. There is a mismatch between the skills taught at Faculties of Education and the skills teachers need in Ministry of Education and Technical Education (MOETE) classrooms.
2. Teachers rely on lecture-style learning with a theoretical focus rather than a practical focus. 
3. Faculties lack adequate information technology infrastructure to support group work and interactive teaching methods. 
4. Most third- and fourth-year teaching practicums offer limited opportunities for students to receive constructive feedback from supervisors or peers to improve their teaching. 
5. There is little incentive for high-ranking high school graduates to enter the educational field, especially at a primary level. 

In 2017, the MOETE introduced its “Education 2.0” reform agenda to transform Egyptian education. Education 2.0 follows a multi-disciplinary learning approach whereby language, math, social studies and science will all be taught together in an integrated and interlinked package, by the same teacher following specific themes that provide structure for the class discussions, projects and activities. 

A central pillar of this reform is teacher professional development. The MOETE seeks to build a cadre of educators with the skills to effectively teach the Ministry’s new curriculum using an active, participatory, engaging, and learner-centered approach. 

The MOETE wants teachers to use technology in classroom instruction and in their own professional development training. By supporting and motivating teachers through technology-enhanced professional development opportunities, the MOETE expects that educators will stimulate student inquiry, creativity, and learning.

Within this context, the Teacher Excellence Initiative aims to improve the quality and relevance of teacher preparation in Egyptian public universities so that current and future primary school teachers have enhanced skills to increase student learning and advance the MOETE reform. This presents an incredible opportunity for USAID to accelerate government-led efforts and strengthen teaching nationwide.

Subject to funding availability and at the discretion of USAID/Egypt, USAID/Egypt expects to provide $49.5 million in total USAID funding over a five-year period.