Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has introduced a new measure that aims to enhance the professionalization of the teaching profession.
Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2840 seeks to amend Republic Act No. (RA) 7836 or the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act, as amended by RA 9293.
The proposed reforms include additional qualifications for members of the Board for Professional Teachers, prohibition of conflict of interest, and pathways for the application of registration as professional teachers.
Instead of taking the licensure exam, graduates of accredited teacher education centers of excellence with an 80 percent passing rate over the last five years may submit a portfolio showing attainment of professional standards for teachers.
Teachers with at least 10 years of experience can also register without taking the exam if they apply within three years of the Act’s effectivity.
Those who fail the licensure exam three times must complete a refresher course in a Commission on Higher Education-recognized Teacher Education Institution (TEI) within one year before retaking the examination.
SBN 2840 also requires the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to submit the licensure exam questions and answers to the Teacher Education Council right after the exam. The PRC must publish these details along with the performance of TEIs.
The Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Teacher Education Council, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, Association of Local State Colleges and Universities, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, and an accredited association of teachers shall each recommend one nominee to the Board for Professional Teachers whose five members shall be chosen by the President, the bill stated.
Board Members must hold at least a master’s degree, preferably an earned doctorate, from a reputable college, institution, or school.IMT
