Every school’s mission is to provide quality education. However, we must ask ourselves, “How can we claim to offer a quality education if there are concerns about teacher quality?” While licensure examinations are in place to ensure that teachers are qualified, they primarily assess content knowledge rather than their pedagogical capabilities. This has profound implications for the overall effectiveness of our educational system.
During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation on March 19, 2025, Dr. Edizon “Ed” Fermin, Vice President for Academic Affairs of the National Teachers College (NTC), represented the institution and the Commission on Higher Education during the discussion concerning improving teacher qualification standards. The hearing tackled proposed amendments to the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act, specifically Senate Bill Nos. 2830, 2840, 2884, 2913, and House Bill No. 9799, sponsored by Sens. Legarda, Gatchalian, Revilla, Villanueva, and Reps. Go, Romulo, Dimaporo, among others.
National Teachers College (NTC) is at the forefront of shaping the future of teacher qualification. Under the direction of Dr. Fermin, NTC has been actively driving discussions on enhancing teacher quality through innovative and holistic approaches. Instead of relying solely on licensure exams, NTC is supporting the proposal to include teacher portfolios and the creation of diverse certification pathways for professionals with relevant experience. These allow educators to demonstrate their qualifications through tangible evidence of their skills, competencies, and impact in the classroom and other learning contexts.
During the hearing, Dr. Fermin explained that a portfolio allows teachers to showcase agency and a broad range of teaching abilities. It is a collection of evidence demonstrating what they can offer, highlighting their knowledge and experience to help enhance learning outcomes. Unlike a one-time written exam, a portfolio is developed over a period of time to acquire the confidence and competence to teach.
By championing multi-dimensional assessments, NTC believes we can more effectively evaluate the capabilities of future and practicing teachers. While traditional pen-and-paper exams can be useful, diversifying assessment strategies will lead to better outcomes and a more skilled teaching workforce.
Through Dr. Fermin’s support, NTC has already taken proactive steps by offering alternative pathways for teachers with industry experience. This initiative allows them to share best practices and offer real-life scenarios that enhance students’ understanding of their lessons. Moreover, NTC recognizes prior learning and provides opportunities for industry professionals to improve their teaching methods through its Certificate in Professional Teaching Program.
As an institution committed to education excellence, NTC continues to lead the way in promoting innovative teacher qualification standards. By equipping educators with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, and real-world expertise, NTC is helping bridge the gaps in education and shaping the future of quality learning in the country.
Watch the full Committee hearing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiTAUq0Io2M&t=1817s
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