Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11713)
The short title is the 'Excellence in Teacher Education Act.'
The State protects and promotes the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and ensures quality education and training of teachers nationwide through scholarship programs and national leadership by the Teacher Education Council.
It applies to teachers and school leaders in all public and private basic education institutions, and to all public and private Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs).
These are public or private colleges, institutes, schools, or agencies that provide academic training for teacher education and have excellent track records in teacher education, instruction, faculty qualifications, research, and other criteria established by the Council.
The Council is a body attached to the DepEd for budgetary purposes, composed of nine members including ex officio members such as the Secretary of DepEd, Chairperson of CHED, TESDA Director-General, NCCA Executive Director, PRC Chairperson, and four appointed regular members from the education sector.
The Council establishes a roadmap for teacher education, sets and monitors teacher education program standards, identifies Centers of Excellence, upholds professional standards, implements incentives like scholarships, undertakes research, and issues rules and regulations to enhance teacher education.
TESP is a scholarship program for deserving basic education graduates and tertiary students to pursue teacher education degrees in designated Centers of Excellence, providing financial assistance such as tuition, allowances, research support, and licensure fees.
NEAP provides quality professional development programs for in-service teachers, school leaders, and teaching personnel, employing a world-class approach based on research, and collaborates with the Council and other agencies to improve professional growth and teaching quality.
The Council must submit an annual report to Congress, commencing three years after its constitution, covering the status and progress of teacher education, issues faced, solutions, and professionalization initiatives.
The Executive Director is appointed by the Council Chairperson with concurrence, serves a fixed five-year term without reappointment, must have at least ten years teaching experience, a master's degree in education or related field, and have contributed to improving teacher quality or education in the country.