Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) backs efforts by the Senate to enhance the licensure process for teachers, recognizing the valuable role of teachers in shaping learning outcomes.

Senate Bill Numbers (SBN) 2840 and 2830, filed in the Senate, aim to improve the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act by including 1) multiple pathways to license teachers through portfolios; 2) Early Childhood Education as a separate exam; 3) immediate release of exam questions with clear reporting of ratings per exam component; and 4) refresher course requirements for failed applicants. These measures will create a more inclusive and effective system that recognizes diverse qualifications and practical experiences in education.

“Reforming the teaching licensure process is crucial in addressing the learning crisis in the Philippines. If we want our students to do better, we need better teachers with enough experience and knowledge in their subject areas. The current teacher licensure process does not adequately reflect the diverse qualifications and experiences of educators, limiting the potential for high-quality instruction,” PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas said.

While both bills are very similar, SBN 2840, introduced by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, specifies that only graduates of teacher education centers of excellence with at least an 80 percent passing rate over the last five years, and those with a minimum of 10 years of teaching experience, may submit a portfolio in lieu of an examination. Meanwhile, SBN 2830 of Sen. Loren Legarda allows graduates of non-education programs to choose their exam specialization regardless of their bachelor’s degree, ensuring relevance to their area of expertise. These amendments recognize the diverse qualifications, training, and practical experiences required in our classrooms.

When the K-12 program was introduced, the Department of Education called for teachers with specializations for career-specific tracks under the Senior High School program. However, the licensing process did not adapt to accommodate individuals with relevant industry experience who wanted to enter the teaching workforce.

“The failure to update the licensure exams and requirements may have contributed to a gap in the quality and relevance of education offered in these specialized tracks, which could explain the skills mismatch observed among our graduates in the job market,” Raagas added.

PBEd stressed that these pieces of proposed legislation will address teacher shortages and the lack of specialized teachers. The amendments also focus on improving the Board Licensure Examination for Teachers (BLEPT) by ensuring that exam questions are created collaboratively with educational institutions and are validated to enhance the quality and relevance of the tests for future teachers.

“The dismal performance in BLEPT exams and international assessments tells us that there is much work to be done to improve the quality of teaching and education in our country. Given the evolving needs of our teachers and students, we require these reforms to ensure that our education system is responsive, effective, and capable of preparing both educators and learners for the challenges of the future,” Raagas said.

Source: https://www.pbed.ph/