DepEd, DBM formalize teacher education excellence center initiative

In an effort to improve teacher training and modernize educator preparation, the Department of Education (DepEd)and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday signed a Joint Memorandum Circular establishing Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEEC) nationwide on March 9.

With an emphasis on creating evidence-based training methods, updating curricula, and incorporating cutting-edge technologies into educator preparation, the institutes are meant to serve as national research hubs and innovation spaces for teacher education.

The signing of the circular was led by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, who also chairs the Teacher Education Council (TEC), together with DBM Acting Secretary Rolando Toledo. 

“We’re really looking forward to this [TEEC] initiative because education is undergoing great change, in a time of artificial intelligence, in a time of reform, in a time of self-examination for the Philippine education systems, and a time of crucial reforms,” Angara stated.

DepEd also added that the establishment of the said centers represents a strategic reform that will strengthen and elevate the teaching workforce across the nation.

The agreement formally created the TEEC as part of broader efforts to improve teacher preparation and professional development. The centers will also serve pre-service and in-service teachers, school leaders, teacher educators, and other education stakeholders involved in teacher development.

Specialized groups like child development workers, pre-service student tutors, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers, multigrade teachers, and college of education deans will also have access to the said program.

To support implementation, the Teacher Education Council signed Memoranda of Understanding with six Teacher Education Institutions that will serve as the program’s initial implementers this year.

The institutions consist of Philippine Normal University-Manila in the National Capital Region, University of the Philippines–Los Baños in South Luzon, University of San Carlos in the Visayas, Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology in Northern Mindanao, Caraga State University in Eastern Mindanao, and Cotabato State University in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.