Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- The State guarantees the right to quality education accessible to all.
- Recognizes the critical role of teachers and school leaders in effective teaching and fostering lifelong learners.
- Establishes a scholarship program for deserving students and emphasizes continuous professional growth of teachers and school leaders.
- The Teacher Education Council (the Council) leads efforts to develop exemplary educators with integrity and competence.
Definitions
- Defines key concepts such as Excellence, Formal and Nonformal Education, In-service Education, Para-teachers, Pre-service Teachers, Professional Standards, Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (COEs), and Teacher Educators.
- Clarifies roles and terminologies essential for the implementation of the Act.
Coverage
- Applies to teachers and school leaders in public and private basic education institutions and all public and private TEIs.
Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (Teacher Education-COE)
- Identified and developed regionally based on criteria like faculty qualifications, student quality, facilities, curriculum, research, graduate success, and community linkages.
- Includes Centers of Excellence in Special Needs Education in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.
- Reviewed every three years to maintain standards.
Objectives and Functions of Teacher Education-COEs
- Deliver innovative pre-service and in-service teacher education and training.
- Coordinate collaborative research for policy and program improvements.
- Serve as resource centers and provide professional assistance to TEIs.
- Promote high standards in research, innovation, and publication.
- Engage in national research agenda for teacher education enhancement.
Teacher Education Council: Composition
- Nine members: five ex officio members from DepEd, CHED, TESDA, NCCA, PRC, and four appointed members from different education sectors.
- Members serve three-year terms, renewable once; unpaid but reimbursed for expenses.
- Attached to DepEd for budget coordination only.
Powers and Functions of the Council
- Develops a national roadmap aligning with CHED's higher education plans.
- Links pre-service and in-service education programs.
- Sets and monitors teacher education program requirements.
- Identifies and develops Teacher Education-COEs nationwide.
- Upholds professional standards and conducts national examinations including pre-qualifying tests.
- Implements career recognition and incentives systems for educators.
- Oversees scholarship programs via UniFAST system to attract students and teachers.
- Conducts research and policy reviews to improve teacher education.
- Coordinates with other government agencies and promotes consortia among TEIs.
- Promulgates necessary rules and regulations.
Advisor to the Council
- Philippine Normal University provides technical support and strategic recommendations.
Secretariat
- Organized to support the Council, headed by an Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director.
- Offices under the Secretariat include Quality Pre-service Teacher Education, Quality Teaching, and Finance and Administration.
- Functions include coordination, study of licensure content, policy recommendations, evaluation, and research support.
Teacher Education Scholarship Program (TESP)
- Provides financial assistance (tuition, allowances for books, transportation, lodging, research, licensure fees) to deserving students pursuing teacher education in Teacher Education-COEs.
- Administered by UniFAST Board with eligibility criteria set by the Council.
- Benefits exclude applicants already receiving other incentives under existing laws.
Student Incentives Support Office
- Develops recruitment plans and campaigns for attracting top students to teaching.
- Coordinates partnership programs with schools for career talks.
- Establishes scholarship programs and competitive exams for scholar selection.
- Monitors scholar progress and ensures mentorship by competent faculty.
Appointments
- The Executive Director of the Secretariat is appointed by the Council Chairperson with a fixed 5-year term.
- Must have at least 10 years teaching experience, a master's degree, and a record of improving teacher quality.
- Deputy Executive Director and Directors appointed as per career executive service standards.
Policy Implementation Review and Assessment
- Every five years, DepEd, CHED, and the Council Advisor jointly review implementation of teacher education policies.
Coordination with Government Agencies
- Regular reporting and coordination with DepEd, CHED, PRC, TESDA, NCCA, and UniFAST for monitoring and implementation.
Role of Local Government Units
- LGUs are mandated to include teacher education improvement via Teacher Education-COEs in their plans and programs.
Institutionalization of the National Educators' Academy of the Philippines (NEAP)
- NEAP is institutionalized as a DepEd unit to provide professional development for in-service teachers, school leaders, and other personnel.
- Headed by an Executive Director appointed by the President.
- Organizational structure set by DepEd Secretary.
Powers and Functions of NEAP
- Collaborates with the Council to promote continuity between pre-service and in-service education.
- Designs, implements, monitors professional development programs aligned with professional standards.
- Coordinates NEAP-recognized courses and evaluates their effectiveness.
- Provides scholarships and fellowships for advanced studies.
- Maintains a professional development information system.
- Manages own funds and may charge reasonable fees.
- Extends access and scholarships to private school personnel.
Transitional Provisions
- Existing Council personnel continue in holdover capacity until new organizational structures are in place.
- Appointment timelines and transition guidelines ensure security of tenure and proper consultation.
- NEAP personnel transitioned to new structure.
Reporting to Congress
- Annual report to Congress starting three years after Council constitution, covering roadmap progress, issues, and professionalization initiatives.
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Teacher Education
- Created to monitor and evaluate implementation.
- Composed of members from Senate and House, including Chairs of Basic Education Committees.
Appropriations
- DEPED Secretary to include necessary funding immediately.
- Council and Secretariat to have own budget in annual appropriations.
- NEAP budget remains part of DepEd.
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
- To be issued within 60 days after effectivity by DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and PRC.
- Takes effect 30 days after publication.
- Copies transmitted to Congress.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the rest of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Republic Act No. 7784 and other inconsistent issuances.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication regardless of IRR issuance.