Press Release - EDCOM 2 consultations highlight need to train teachers for specialization

"I started my teaching career as a generalist, but being in this profession for 33 years, I strongly believe that specialization is part of a teacher's natural career progression". This is one of the statements by one of the teacher participants in the consultative meeting for teacher specialization for key stage 2, conducted by EDCOM 2 on September 26, 2024.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) conducted the consultation in the Philippine Normal University with teachers, school administrators, division office chiefs from Quezon City, Valenzuela and Paranaque, as well as key officials and representatives from DepEd, PRC and multiple teacher education institutions.

The Commission's findings show that there is a concerning mismatch between teachers' pre-service training and the subjects they are teaching, with 62% of high school teachers teaching subjects they did not major in during college. This is compounded by a 2016 World Bank report that revealed the low content knowledge of high school teachers, which plays a big factor in student performance.

"Can subject specialization in Key Stage 2 enhance the quality of education in the Philippines? If so, how can we tackle the challenges that come with it? Will it make teachers more effective? These are some of the questions we hope to shed light on from this consultation," Dr. Carmela Oracion, EDCOM 2 Standing Committee on Teacher Education member, said as she presented to the participants the current state of teacher education.

Teachers welcome specialization in INSET

During the discussions, teacher participants expressed support for teacher specialization, emphasizing that it allows for deeper mastery of content and more efficient preparation for classes. Participants noted that when teachers are well-versed in fewer subjects, they can devote more time to honing their instructional strategies and building better relationships with students.

"Kapag mas maalam si teacher, mas nakukuha namin kung paano ipaparating yung lesson sa bata", said one teacher, citing that students benefit more when teachers have strong subject knowledge.

School administrators echoed the teachers' sentiments, noting that