CHALLENGES FACED BY GRADUATES OF TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMS DURING RECRUITMENT

This mixed-methods research investigates the challenges faced by the graduates of teacher education programs during the recruitment process, with a focus on policy constraints, administrative inefficiencies, and competitive job markets. The data was collected from the graduates from both public and private universities in Pakistan, with a sample size of 270 participants (250 graduates and 20 education administrators). A random sampling technique was employed to ensure the inclusion of diverse perspectives. Data collection was conducted through survey questionnaires for graduates and semi-structured interviews with education administrators involved in the recruitment process. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, frequency, percentage) and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings of this research revealed that the primary challenges faced by teacher education graduates include bureaucratic hurdles in appointments, inadequate job openings, and lack of alignment between educational qualifications and job requirements. Based on these findings, the study proposed recommendations for reforming recruitment policies and procedures, with the goal of improving employment opportunities for trained teachers in Pakistan.