Teaching is one of the most respected and rewarding jobs in Cameroon.
If you love helping others learn and want to shape the future, becoming a teacher might be the perfect career for you.
But how do you actually become a teacher in Cameroon?
What qualifications do you need? Where can you get trained?
This blog post will guide you through the entire process in simple, easy-to-understand language.
Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Cameroon
The process of becoming a teacher depends on the level at which you want to teach.
Below are the different types of teachers and how to qualify for each level.
1. Nursery and Primary School Teachers
If you want to teach young children in nursery or primary school, you need to follow these steps:
Educational Requirements:
Have at least a GCE Ordinary Level certificate (or equivalent).
Obtain a Cameroon Teachers Grade One Certificate (CAPIEMP), which is the required qualification for nursery and primary teachers.
Where to Get Trained:
Enroll in Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) or Écoles Normales d’Instituteurs in Cameroon.
These schools offer professional training in child psychology, teaching methods, and classroom management.
After training, you can apply for teaching jobs in private schools or take government exams to become a public school teacher.
2. Secondary School Teachers
Secondary school teachers instruct older students (Form 1 to Upper Sixth) in subjects like math, science, literature, and history.
To become a secondary school teacher, follow these steps:
Educational Requirements:
Have a GCE Advanced Level certificate (or equivalent).
Obtain a Bachelor’s degree in a subject you wish to teach (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Geography).
Get a Secondary School Teacher’s Diploma such as DIPES I, DIPES II, PLET, or PLEG.
Where to Get Trained:
Higher Teacher Training Colleges (ENS) in cities like Yaoundé, Bambili, or Maroua.
Higher Technical Training Colleges (ENSET) for those who want to teach technical subjects.
To work in public schools, you need to pass a competitive government exam and get recruited by the Ministry of Secondary Education.
Private schools, on the other hand, often hire directly.
3. University or Higher Institution Lecturers
If you want to teach at the university level, you need:
A Master’s degree in your field of study (e.g., Business, Physics, Law).
A Ph.D. (Doctorate) is preferred, especially for full-time university teaching positions.
Many university lecturers start as teaching assistants while working on their Ph.D. You can apply to public universities (like the University of Yaoundé, Douala, or Buea) or private universities.
How to Get a Teaching Job in Cameroon
Once you finish your training, you can apply for a teaching job in two main ways:
1. Private Schools
You send your CV and application directly to private schools.
You might be called for an interview or a teaching demonstration.
If successful, you get hired!
2. Public Schools
The government organizes recruitment exams for public school teachers.
You need to pass the exam and undergo official training.
After training, you are officially hired as a state-employed teacher.
Public school jobs are more stable, but private schools often pay more, especially in big cities.
Extra Tips for Aspiring Teachers
Becoming a great teacher takes more than just getting a certificate.
To succeed and truly impact your students, you need the right mindset, skills, and attitude.
Here are some valuable tips to help you become the best teacher you can be:
1. Keep Learning and Improving
Education is always evolving, and new teaching methods are introduced every day. To stay relevant:
Attend workshops, seminars, and training programs to improve your teaching skills.
Read books, articles, and research papers related to education and your subject.
Learn how to use technology in the classroom, such as interactive whiteboards, digital learning tools, and online teaching platforms.
Take short courses in classroom management, special needs education, or educational psychology to broaden your knowledge.
A great teacher is always a student first!
2. Be Passionate and Patient
Teaching is not just about delivering lessons—it’s about inspiring and shaping young minds.
To do this:
Love what you do. Passion is contagious, and when students see your enthusiasm, they will be more excited to learn.
Be patient because students learn at different speeds. Some will grasp concepts quickly, while others may struggle. Take time to help every student.
Use creative ways to explain difficult topics, such as storytelling, games, or real-life examples.
The best teachers don’t just teach; they motivate and encourage their students to do better.
3. Master Classroom Management
A well-managed classroom creates a better learning environment. To keep control of your class:
Set clear rules and expectations from the beginning. Let students know what behavior is acceptable.
Use positive reinforcement (praising good behavior) instead of always punishing students.
Keep lessons engaging and interactive so students stay focused. Bored students are more likely to misbehave.
Learn conflict resolution skills to handle issues between students peacefully.
A disciplined classroom allows both you and your students to succeed.
4. Be Adaptable and Flexible
Every classroom is different, and every student is unique. You need to be able to adjust your teaching style based on the needs of your students.
Some students learn best by listening, while others learn better by seeing or doing. Try different teaching methods.
If a lesson isn’t working, change your approach instead of sticking to a rigid plan.
Be ready for surprises—sometimes, school schedules change, or unexpected situations happen in class. Stay calm and adjust!
A good teacher knows how to think on their feet and make learning work in any situation.
5. Build Strong Relationships with Students
Students learn better when they feel comfortable and respected in class. To build good relationships:
Show empathy – Understand that students have different backgrounds and challenges.
Listen to them – Allow students to express their thoughts and opinions.
Be approachable – Create an environment where students feel safe asking questions.
Encourage participation – Make every student feel important in the learning process.
A teacher who connects with students makes learning more enjoyable and meaningful.
