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When Better Teachers Aren't Enough: An Experimental Evaluation of Teacher Training Programs in El Salvador

Author

Listed:
  • Carla Coccia

  • Martina Jakob

  • Konstantin Büchel

  • Ben Jann

Abstract

Despite billions spent annually on teacher training, rigorous evidence on standalone in-service programs remains scarce, as most evaluated programs bundle training with curriculum or material reforms. We address this gap through a large-scale randomized controlled trial with 338 schools and over 6,000 students in El Salvador. Teachers are randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three training programs focusing on (i) content knowledge, (ii) pedagogical knowledge, or (iii) a combination of both inputs. We find lasting effects on teacher content and pedagogical knowledge of up to 0.3σ and 0.5σ respectively one year after program end. Yet, this only changes teachers' classroom practices in the short-run and does not translate into significant student learnings. The data most closely aligns with a setting where teachers face a dual challenge: introducing new ideas in a rigid environment while navigating the significant learning gaps present among students in later grades.

Suggested Citation

  • Carla Coccia & Martina Jakob & Konstantin Büchel & Ben Jann, 2026. "When Better Teachers Aren't Enough: An Experimental Evaluation of Teacher Training Programs in El Salvador," University of Bern Social Sciences Working Papers 51, University of Bern, Department of Social Sciences.
    • Handle: RePEc:bss:wpaper:51
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    File URL: https://repec.sowi.unibe.ch/files/wp51/Coccia-etal-2026-Teacher-Training.pdf
    File Function: First version, 2026
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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