Navigating the Line: DepEd Order No. 008, s. 2023 and Teacher Participation in Volunteer and Extracurricular Activities
Released in March 2023, DepEd Order No. 008, s. 2023 has sparked discussions about the appropriate involvement of teachers in volunteer work and extracurricular activities. While acknowledging the value of community engagement, the order aims to establish clearer boundaries and protect teachers' essential workload.
What does the order say?
- Teachers have the right to decline non-teaching and non-academic service invitations outside school hours. This empowers them to manage personal time and avoid excessive pressure.
- Engagement in community service or extracurricular activities during school hours is prohibited. The focus remains on delivering quality instruction within designated school time.
- School heads are responsible for disseminating and ensuring proper implementation of the order.
Potential impacts:
- Reduced teacher burden: Clearer expectations can prevent overburdening teachers and promote work-life balance.
- Improved focus on core responsibilities: Prioritizing teaching duties during school hours may benefit student learning.
- Potential adjustments to school activities: Extracurricular and community events might require scheduling shifts to ensure they occur outside school hours.
- Need for further clarification: Some areas surrounding acceptable "non-teaching" activities during non-school hours might require further interpretation.
Ongoing discussions:
The order has generated mixed reactions. Some educators welcome the emphasis on core responsibilities, while others express concerns about limiting community engagement and school activities. Open discussions and clarifications can ensure the order's effective implementation, balancing teacher well-being with community involvement.
Remember:
This is a factual summary based on publicly available information. It's not intended as an interpretation or endorsement of the order. For detailed information and official interpretations, please refer to the DepEd website and relevant legal resources.