SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill that seeks to provide continuing education for teachers in the primary and secondary levels.

In pushing for Senate Bill 367 or the proposed Continuing Education for Teachers Act, Gatchalian stressed that the Philippines lags in educational aptitude and achievement compared to its neighbors. The senator lamented that the country  has not substantially improved learning in schools despite increased spending in education and various reform efforts.

“Teachers are the essential link in the chain from education spending to student learning, so improving teacher effectiveness is a critical component for improving student outcomes,” Gatchalian said in his explanatory note.

The senator stressed the need for free programs for continuing teacher education.

“Teaching is a learned skill. It must be nurtured and developed. In order for teachers to realize their full potential, they must be given the opportunity to hone their craft,” he added.

Senate Bill 367 mandates the development of a complete  and comprehensive national program for mandatory continuing education for all primary and secondary teachers in both private and public educational institutions as well as formal and non-formal institutions of learning.

Teachers with postgraduate degrees are not covered but they may voluntarily attend and participate in the program.

The program should include training and practice in the different techniques, approaches and strategies that would help teachers plan and impart instruction, provide appropriate reinforcement and conduct effective assessment.

Once enacted into law, an allocation of P100 million shall be incorporated in the annual budget of the Department of Education for the implementation of the program.