Law Summary
Registration and Exceptions for Professional Teaching Practice
- No person may teach at preschool, elementary, or secondary levels without registration as a professional teacher and a valid certificate and license or special/temporary permit.
- Examinations may be bypassed for:
- Holders of a certificate of eligibility issued by the Civil Service Commission and Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).
- Registered professional teachers under DECS pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1006.
- Professional teachers inactive for five years must complete at least 12 units of education courses before resuming practice.
- Para-teacher designation is available for exam failures within five percentage points of passing, via a renewable two-year special permit limited to four years total.
- Para-teachers are assigned in areas with teacher shortages as identified by DECS and ARMM education authorities.
- Special permits may also be issued to internationally recognized experts in their fields.
Transitory Provisions on Special Permits
- Special permits issued before this law, valid for three to five years, will expire as scheduled.
- Only three-year valid special permits may renew once for an additional two years, non-extendable.
Amendments to Departmental Terminology
- References to "Department of Education, Culture and Sports" and "DECS" are amended to "Department of Education" and "DepEd," reflecting organizational updates.
Separability Clause
- If any provision is declared unconstitutional or invalid, it does not affect the validity of other provisions.
Repealing Clause
- All prior laws, decrees, circulars, administrative orders, and similar issuances inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval.