Law Summary
Scope and Definitions
- Teaching defined as classroom instruction at elementary and secondary levels.
- Teachers include all engaged in such instruction, including guidance counselors, librarians, vocational teachers, and those in supervisory/administrative roles.
- The "Board" refers to the National Board for Teachers established by this Decree.
Creation and Composition of the National Board for Teachers
- The Board consists of:
- Secretary of Education and Culture (Co-Chairman)
- Chairman, Civil Service
- Commissioner, Professional Regulations Commission
- Two private sector members appointed by the President
Powers and Duties of the Board
- Prepare and administer teacher licensure examinations at least once a year.
- Approve applications and release examination results.
- Maintain professional standards and ethics in teaching.
- Issue, suspend, revoke, or replace Professional Teacher Certificates.
- Appoint necessary officials and prescribe fees.
- Promulgate rules and regulations to implement the Decree.
Qualifications for Examination Applicants
- Must be a Filipino citizen (with certain exceptions for experienced teachers).
- Must be of good moral character.
- Physically and mentally fit to perform teaching duties.
- Hold specific educational qualifications depending on the level and type of teaching:
- Elementary: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education or equivalent.
- Secondary: Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field with required education units.
- Applications filed through designated offices for screening and approval.
Appointment and Compensation of Examiners
- Examiners are recognized authorities in teacher education.
- Names of examiners remain confidential until results are released.
- Compensation set by the Board with limits, provided in addition to government salaries for public employees.
Examination Scope and Passing Requirements
- Written tests aligned with national curriculum plans.
- Passing requires a general average of at least 70% with no subject below 50%.
Examination Results and Certification
- Examiners must report results within 150 days.
- Teachers who passed equivalent Civil Service exams or hold permanent appointments may be considered registered without further exams.
Registration and Issuance of Certificates
- The Civil Service Commission registers Professional Teacher Certificate holders.
- Registration entitles holders to rights and privileges unless certificate is revoked or suspended.
- Procedures for reissuing revoked or lost certificates provided.
Reciprocity for Foreign-Registered Teachers
- Registration without examination allowed if the foreign credential and laws are substantially equivalent.
- Reciprocity must meet conditions on citizenship and professional practice rights.
Prohibition on Unlicensed Teaching
- After three years from the Decree’s effectivity, only licensed individuals may teach at elementary and secondary levels.
Penal Provisions
- Unauthorized practice or fraud relating to teaching certification is punishable by fines (₱1,000–₱5,000) and/or imprisonment (6 months to 2 years).
Repealing and Separability Clauses
- Inconsistent laws and regulations are repealed or modified.
- Unconstitutional provisions do not affect the remainder of the Decree.
Effectivity
- The Decree takes effect on January 1, 1977.