Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the expanded career progression system for public school teachers. The IRR, established under Executive Order (EO) 174, aims to tackle the persistent issue of slow promotion processes among educators.
The new system introduces additional teaching positions to the Classroom Teaching Career Line, including Teacher IV (Salary Grade 14), Teacher V (SG 15), Teacher VI (SG 16), Teacher VII (SG 17), and Master Teacher V (SG 22). For those pursuing administrative roles, the career path now includes School Principal I, II, III, and IV.
Public school teachers qualifying for Master Teacher I will have the choice to either continue in the classroom or transition into school administration. This flexibility is intended to enhance career options and professional growth for educators.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated PHP 6.1 billion to support the expanded career progression system, which is scheduled to be implemented next year.
In his remarks, Angara highlighted the significance of EO 174 in providing teachers with more career choices. “Under the new EO, teachers now have the freedom to move between teaching and administrative tracks without sacrificing the quality of education”, he stated.
The DepEd will work closely with the DBM, Civil Service Commission, and Professional Regulation Commission to facilitate the reclassification and standardization of qualifications for the newly introduced teaching positions.
The new system is expected to improve the promotion process for public school teachers and provide them with greater career development opportunities, ultimately benefiting both educators and students.