THE SECOND Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has expressed its support for the Teacher Education Council’s efforts in a symposium focused on reframing the preservice teacher education curriculum.

“Reviewing and updating our teacher education curriculum is a critical step in addressing our learning crisis. It is well acknowledged by studies worldwide that a good teacher has the greatest impact on improving and ensuring student learning,” said Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee.

Yee also shared the Commission’s recent findings on teacher education.

Degree programs in secondary and elementary education continue to be among the top choices for students in college. However, the Commission found that 62% of high school teachers teach subjects outside their college major, highlighting a misalignment between teacher training programs and school-level needs. This misalignment undermines the quality of instructional expertise in the basic education system.

“Compounding this issue, 62% of high school teachers who are expected to specialize teach subjects outside their college major. The problem is particularly pronounced in the sciences, with a 98% mismatch in the physical sciences and an 80% mismatch in the biological sciences, underscoring a critical gap in subject-specific expertise,” reads the executive summary from the Commission’s upcoming Year Two Report.

In response, the Commission has pushed for bills amending Republic Act 7836, or the Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994.

House Bill No. 9979 and Senate Bills 2830, 2840, and 2913, filed by EDCOM 2 Commissioners, aim to address the misalignment between teacher licensure exams and teacher education programs. The bills also propose flexible teacher licensure, recognizing the diverse experiences and qualifications of teaching professionals.