The Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994 (Republic Act No. 7836) plays a crucial role in regulating and supervising the practice of teaching in the Philippines. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this significant legislation:
Short Title: The Act is officially known as the “Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994” 1.
Statement of Policy: The Act recognizes the vital role of teachers in nation-building and development by ensuring a responsible and literate citizenry. To achieve this, it aims to promote quality education through proper supervision, regulation, and professionalization of the teaching profession 1.
Objectives:
- Promotion and Development: The Act seeks to promote and develop teachers and the teaching profession.
- Supervision and Regulation: It also focuses on the supervision and regulation of the licensure examination for teachers 1.
Definition of Terms:
- Teaching: Refers to the profession primarily concerned with classroom instruction at the elementary and secondary levels, following the curriculum prescribed by the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports. This includes both full-time and part-time teaching in private or public schools.
- Teachers: Encompasses all individuals engaged in teaching at the elementary and secondary levels, whether full-time or part-time. It includes industrial arts or vocational teachers and those performing supervisory and administrative functions in schools.
- Board: Refers to the Board for Professional Teachers established under this Act.
- Commission: Refers to the Professional Regulation Commission 1.
Board for Professional Teachers:
- Creation and Composition: The Act establishes a Board for Professional Teachers, a collegial body under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission. The Board consists of five members appointed by the President of the Philippines. These members are chosen from the list of nominees recommended by the accredited association of teachers. The chairman and vice-chairman of the Board are also appointed from these members.
- Duties and Functions: The Board’s responsibilities include overseeing the licensure examination for teachers (LET) and ensuring the professionalization of teachers 1.
Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET):