PHILIPPINE Business for Education is supporting initiatives by education agencies to implement transformative reforms in teacher education, recognizing it as a critical driver of better learning outcomes.

“Teachers must ignite an interest in learning among their students. To do so effectively, they must themselves be constantly upskilled and reskilled as we future proof our education system,” said PBEd Executive Director Justine Raagas.

The Second Congressional Commission on Education recently revealed a significant misalignment between teacher training programs and the actual needs of schools. While degree programs in secondary and elementary education remain top choices for college students, studies show that 62 percent of high school teachers are teaching subjects outside their college major, with a particularly high mismatch in the sciences.

In response, PBEd believes the Teacher Education Council’s new proposals for the pre-service teacher education curriculum should be prioritized. These include expanding experiential learning opportunities from the first year of college, emphasizing specializations to address teacher-subject mismatches, and strengthening early childhood education for Kindergarten to Grade 3.

Focusing on these areas is crucial for ensuring that future educators are equipped with practical experience and aligned with the specific needs of the subjects they will teach.

“Our teachers are the most important investment in creating a more adaptive education system. We are excited about TEC’s national scholarship program for teachers, which is modeled after PBEd’s STEP UP program in partnership with the Australian Government, offering scholarships to attract the brightest individuals into the teaching profession,” Raagas shared.

The Teacher Education Council assured that there will be transparency on the outcomes of teacher education programs, professional standards for teachers and school leaders, research, and international best practices.

“Improving teacher education isn’t just about enhancing knowledge—it’s about empowering teachers to adapt to the evolving needs of our students. The work of the Teacher Education Council is crucial in improving the quality of teaching and learning in the country,” said TEC Executive Director Jennie Jocson.

During the forum, Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated, “Education is a long game, where teacher education plays a crucial role. It is a series of investments that hopefully pays dividends toward a more prosperous nation.”

PBEd emphasized that, in addition to enhancing the teacher education curriculum, there should be more comprehensive data collection to better understand teachers’ actual needs.

The industry-led advocacy group also called for improvements to the licensing process to ensure that future educators are better informed and prepared.

“It’s true that improvements in facilities, student training, and resources are crucial, but none of these will matter without skilled teachers at the core of our education system. Education thrives when we have teachers who are empowered to teach, engage, and inspire students,” Raagas concluded.