Mario Mallia is a lecturer at the Institute for Education, specialising in critical pedagogy, gender studies, and science education. With over sixteen years as Head of School, he also served on national equality and education boards. A strong advocate of the cooperative model, he has led initiatives establishing student and educator cooperatives, including one creating meaningful employment opportunities for students with disabilities. He remains active in educational, social, and political engagement.

This paper compares primary education systems in Malta, Norway, and the Philippines, focusing on teacher qualifications, professional development, and their relationship to teaching methods and student achievement. Using policy analysis and TIMSS 2019 data from over 13,000 students, 6,000 teachers, and 428 schools, the study examines national regulations, teacher competence, and classroom practices. Findings highlight similarities and differences across contexts, revealing how teacher development policies shape effective teaching and learning outcomes.