Law Summary
Key Definitions
- "Teaching" pertains primarily to classroom instruction at elementary and secondary levels.
- "Teachers" include full-time and part-time instructors and those performing supervisory or administrative functions.
- "Board" refers to the Board for Professional Teachers.
- "Commission" is the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
Establishment and Composition of the Board for Professional Teachers
- A five-member collegial body under PRC supervision.
- Members appointed by the President from nominees by accredited teacher associations.
- Initial Board members automatically registered as professional teachers upon appointment.
Duties and Powers of the Board
- Promulgate and enforce regulations for teaching practice.
- Administer licensure examinations, issue/suspend/revoke certificates and licenses.
- Prescribe examination fees and professional ethical standards.
- Oversee registration, supervision, and disciplinary investigations.
- Ensure compliance of educational institutions with requirements.
- Issue subpoenas and conduct hearings regarding violations.
Terms, Qualifications, and Compensation of Board Members
- Members serve three-year terms; first Board members have staggered terms.
- Must be Filipino citizens, at least 35 years old, with high moral character and professional teaching experience.
- Hold a Bachelor's in Education; advanced degrees preferred.
- Cannot have conflicts of interest with education institutions or review centers.
- Receive compensation comparable to other PRC regulatory boards.
Supervision and Administrative Support
- The Board is supervised by the PRC, which also maintains official records.
- The PRC provides secretariat and support services.
- Board members may be removed for misconduct after due process.
Licensure Examination and Registration Requirements
- Licensure exam required for all professional teaching practice.
- Separate exams for elementary and secondary teachers; secondary includes specialization.
- Applicants must be Filipino citizens or eligible aliens, at least 18 years old, with specified educational degrees.
- License and certificate issued upon passing and meeting requirements.
- Mandatory oath-taking before practice.
Periodic Merit Examination for Teachers
- Optional examination every five years to promote professional development and merit promotion.
- No fee required; failure triggers additional training and re-examination.
- Passing confers merit points, diploma of merit, scholarships, and other benefits.
Integration and Membership in Teaching Profession Organization
- One national integrated and accredited association recognized by the Board and PRC.
- Professional teachers encouraged to join; membership confers benefits.
Grounds for Suspension, Revocation, and Disciplinary Actions
- Causes include criminal conviction, unethical conduct, malpractice, fraud, chronic substance abuse, and non-compliance with continuing education.
- Decisions are appealable to the regional trial court.
Registration by Reciprocity for Foreign Teachers
- Foreign teachers may register only where reciprocity with Filipino teachers exists.
- Certification requirements must be substantially equivalent.
Roster of Professional Teachers
- Maintained by the Board and PRC, listing registered professional teachers and pertinent data.
Transitional Provisions for Incumbent Teachers
- Teachers qualified before the Act’s effectivity may register without examination within a set period.
- Temporary permits available for those not yet registered or who failed the exam.
- Para-teacher status with special permits for exam failures under certain conditions.
Practice Restrictions and Penal Provisions
- Only registered and licensed persons may practice teaching.
- Violations subject to fines (P5,000-P20,000), imprisonment (6 months to 5 years), or both.
- Penalties apply to individuals and institutions causing violations.
Implementation, Appropriations, and Effectivity
- The Board must formulate implementing rules within 60 days of enactment.
- Necessary funds included in government appropriations starting 1996.
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in official and general circulation newspapers.
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures remaining provisions stand if parts are invalidated.
- Repeals conflicting laws and issuances.
- Transitional provisions for continued validity of certificates and licensure examinations administered by other bodies during transition.