Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4670)
The main policy is to promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, terms of employment, and career prospects to attract and retain qualified professionals in the teaching field.
It applies to all public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities and includes persons engaged in classroom teaching on a full-time basis, such as guidance counselors, school librarians, and vocational instructors, but excludes school nurses, school physicians, dentists, and other school employees.
Kindergarten and elementary teachers must have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education; secondary teachers must have a Bachelor's degree in Education or its equivalent with a major and minor, or a Bachelor's degree in Arts/Science with 18 professional education units; vocational and technical teachers must have a Bachelor's degree in their specialization with 18 education units; collegiate level teachers need a master's degree in a specific specialization.
Teachers who possess appropriate civil service eligibility are not required to undergo probation. Those lacking such eligibility but meeting minimum qualifications may be appointed provisionally and must undergo at least one year probation.
No teacher shall be transferred without consent, except for cause. The teacher must be notified of the transfer and may appeal to the Director of Public Schools. Transfers are prohibited three months before elections, and approved transfer expenses shall be paid by the Government.
Teachers have the right to be informed in writing of charges, access evidence, defend themselves with representation, and appeal decisions. Disciplinary actions must remain confidential during proceedings.
Teachers should not be required to render more than six hours of actual classroom teaching daily, except when exigencies require up to eight hours with additional compensation.
Teachers rendering co-curricular or out-of-school activities after six teaching hours, or working beyond eight hours for non-classroom staff, are entitled to at least 25% additional compensation over their regular pay.
Salaries should compare favorably with similar occupations, ensure a reasonable standard of life, be graded recognizing responsibility and qualification differences, provide gradual progression with regular increments every three years, and maintain a reasonable salary scale range.
Free compulsory medical examinations before employment and annually afterward; free medical treatment and hospitalization when necessary; reimbursement for travel expenses to medical facilities in scarce regions; and protection against compensable occupational injuries.
Teachers are entitled to study leave not exceeding one school year after seven years of service with at least 60% salary, indefinite sick leave if illness requires long treatment over a year, and the study leave counts for seniority and pension purposes.
Teachers have the right to freely establish and join organizations without prior authorization, free from discrimination, interference, or coercion, including protection from dismissal or prejudice due to membership or activities.
A fine of 100 to 1,000 pesos or imprisonment, at the court's discretion; if the offender is a public official, dismissal from government service is ordered.