Manila, Philippines – The Teacher Education Council (TEC) led the #TeacherEducationNaman: A Symposium on Pre-Service Teacher Education Curriculum Reframing on January 22, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater in Ermita, Manila.
As the primary body responsible for strengthening teacher education in the country, TEC convened Teacher Education Centers of Excellence (COEs), National Network of Normal Schools (3NS), selected teacher education institutions (TEIs), and key education agencies and partners to present and gather ideas on the initial design of the teacher education curriculum.
The Council is in the process of reframing the teacher education curriculum as a response to the vision of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act (Republic Act No. 11713), ensuring that teacher preparation remains responsive, innovative, and globally competitive.
Supporting teachers through RA 11713
At the symposium, DepEd Secretary and TEC Chairperson Sonny Angara and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the vital role of teachers in ensuring quality education.
Secretary Angara expressed that “teachers are not just the backbone of education; they are the soul of nation-building.”
Senator Gatchalian praised TEC’s efforts in implementing RA 11713 while acknowledging ongoing challenges. “Improving education in the country goes hand in hand with producing excellent teachers,” Sen. Gatchalian said.
Reframing the teacher education curriculum
Dr. Jennie V. Jocson, Executive Director V of the TEC Secretariat, placed a strong emphasis on a reframed curriculum that is resilient and future-ready. She underscored the need for aligning with global trends while addressing gaps in teacher specialization and specific program needs.
According to Dr. Jocson, the revised curriculum should empower TEIs to innovate and adapt without excessive dependence on directives from the national government.“We will reframe the curriculum such that it can stand on its own. That TEIs will be allowed to maneuver on their own without the national government always issuing a new curriculum,” Dr. Jocson said.
Dr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission for Education (EDCOM2), pointed out the importance of adjusting teacher education curricula to better prepare educators for the realities they will face in public schools.
“Teachers shape the future of students, and in turn, the future of the nation. But to unlock their full potential, we must ensure that they are equipped with not only the passion to teach but also the right tools, resources, and support systems provided by a high-quality education system,” Dr. Karol Mark Yee said.
Similarly, Dr. Edizon Fermin, Chairman of the CHED Technical Panel for Teacher Education (TPTE), underscored the necessity of a responsive pre-service teacher education framework. He expressed that “we need a pre-service framework that is responsive to national goals, career progression, and the transformative role of teachers in shaping the lives of our learners.”
Discussions also covered the role of Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in equipping educators with specialized skills to address the diverse needs of learners. Hon. Jose Francisco Benitez, Director General of TESDA, suggested that integrating technical skills into teacher education programs would enhance graduates’ employability and adaptability in a rapidly changing labor market.
The symposium marked a significant step forward in TEC’s mission to enhance the quality of teacher education through data-driven policymaking and collaborative initiatives.
The Council announced a series of consultations on the reframed curriculum and capability-building programs to support TEIs, teacher-educators, and pre-service teachers to ensure effective implementation.