SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian urged the government to ensure the full implementation of the Excellence in Teacher Education Act or Republic Act 11713 now that its Implementing Rules and Regulations have been signed.

The Excellence in Teacher Education Act, which Gatchalian authored and sponsored, revamps the Teacher Education Council to strengthen the coordination between agencies involved in teacher education and training such as the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education and the Professional Regulation Commission.

The law mandates the TEC to set basic requirements for teacher education programs.

The TEC aims to ensure a strong and transparent link between the outcomes of teacher education programs and the professional standards for teachers and school leaders.

“Sa pagsugpo natin sa krisis na bumabalot sa sektor ng edukasyon, mahalagang tiyakin nating handa at may sapat na kakayahan ang ating mga guro, bagay na magagawa natin kung mabibigyan natin sila ng dekalidad na edukasyon. Ipinasa natin ang Excellence in Teacher Education Act upang makamit natin ang layuning ito at kailangan nating tiyaking ganap itong mapapatupad,” Gatchalian said.

The TEC is also mandated to designate, identify, establish or develop Teacher Education-Centers of Excellence in all regions.

Teacher Education-COEs are public or private colleges, institutes, schools or agencies that established and continue to maintain an excellent track record in teacher education and have produced top caliber graduates.