The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in the Philippines is a significant milestone for aspiring educators. Every year, thousands of individuals take this exam, hoping to secure their place in the teaching profession. Today, we delve into the journey of these LET passers, particularly the new batch of over 7,000 passers, and explore where they might be headed.
The New Batch of LET Passers
Today, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results of the March 2024 LET. A total of 20,890 elementary teachers and 50,539 secondary teachers have successfully passed the exam. This is a significant increase from the previous years, adding to the growing pool of licensed teachers in the country.
Where Do These Passers Go?
The journey of these LET passers does not end with passing the exam. The real question is, where do these new passers go after obtaining their license? Do they pursue a career in teaching, or do they find themselves working in unrelated jobs?
A study conducted by the University of Northern Philippines revealed that 70% of their graduates employed in Region I from School Year 1993-1994 to School Year 1997-1998 claimed that their courses were relevant to their jobs. This suggests that a significant number of LET passers do pursue a career in teaching.
However, the remaining 30% revealed that their respective courses were not relevant to their jobs. This indicates that some LET passers may find themselves working in fields unrelated to teaching. The reasons behind this could be diverse, ranging from personal preferences to job market dynamics.
The Need for More Teachers
Despite the increasing number of LET passers, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has expressed a need for more teachers. According to the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), the DepEd would need around Php 45 billion to hire 150,000 teaching personnel. Another report suggests that the Philippines needs 147,000 new teachers.
The DepEd has been allowed to hire a maximum of 75,000 teachers, many of whom should be proficient in English, Math, and Science. This hiring aims to bring down the teacher-student ratio to 1:25 at the kindergarten/elementary level and to 1:40 at the high school level.
Conclusion
The journey of LET passers in the Philippines is a complex one, filled with opportunities and challenges. While many LET passers pursue a career in teaching, some find themselves in unrelated jobs. Despite the increasing number of LET passers, there is still a significant demand for more teachers in the country.
As we celebrate the success of the new batch of LET passers, we also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. It is our hope that these new educators will find fulfillment in their chosen paths and contribute significantly to the betterment of the Philippine education system.