DepEd pushes teacher education reform to address learning loss, future challenges

EDUCATION Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized the importance of reforming teacher education to address learning loss and prepare educators for the demands of 21st-century classrooms at the Teacher Education Council (TEC) Symposium on Pre-service Teacher Education Curriculum Reframing at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Jan. 20, 205.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara at the Teacher Education Council Symposium on Pre-service Teacher Education Curriculum Reframing at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Jan. 20, 205. DEPED PHOTO

Angara said the Department of Education (DepEd) is committed to upskilling and reskilling teachers to ensure a better future for Filipino learners.

"Education is a long game; [it's] a series of investments that will pay dividends toward a more prosperous nation. When the teacher is good, the result is definitely good for the youth and the country," he said.

Aligned with Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to sustain gains in human capital development, Angara added that improving teacher education is key to addressing systemic learning issues and creating future-ready classrooms.

The Education secretary pointed to the 2024 memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Normal University or PNU as a significant step toward enhancing the quality of teacher training, aligning curricula with global standards, and equipping educators with modern teaching strategies.

"Curriculum reform is not just a policy shift; it is a moral imperative. Teachers are central to our national interest, and their excellence sets off a chain reaction that propels other reforms," Angara said.

The TEC Symposium gathered education leaders and stakeholders to discuss ways to modernize teacher education and improve its impact on student outcomes.

Angara called on Filipinos to support DepEd's initiatives.

"Together, we can ensure that teacher education evolves to meet the challenges of tomorrow," he said.

Spearheaded by the TEC Secretariat, led by Executive Director Jennie Jocson, the symposium was attended by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or Tesda Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, education stakeholders, and officials of colleges of education from teacher education institutions or TEIs all over the country.