Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a measure that would allow graduates of accredited teacher education centers of excellence that achieved a consistent rate of at least 80 percent in the last five years to submit a portfolio showing the attainment of professional standards for teachers.

The is part of the provisions of the Gatchalian bill, which seeks to reform the professionalization of teachers.

Through Senate Bill (SB) No. 2840, Gatchalian seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 7836 or the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act, as amended by Republic Act No. 9293.

The bill also allows the registration of individuals qualified to take the licensure exam without actually taking it, provided they have at least 10 years of teaching experience before the Act's implementation.

Within three years of the Act’s effectivity, these individuals must apply for registration and issuance of a certificate of registration and professional identification card by submitting a teaching experience portfolio.

This portfolio will be used to thoroughly evaluate acquired knowledge and expertise comparable to professional standards.

The proposed reforms also include, among other things, additional qualifications and expertise for the Members of the Board for Professional Teachers, prohibition of conflict of interest, and pathways for applying for registration as professional teachers.

Aspiring teachers who failed the licensure examination three times must complete a refresher course in a Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)-recognized Teacher Education Institution (TEI) within one year before retaking the examination.

The proposed measure requires the PRC to submit the licensure exam questions and answers to the Teacher Education Council (TEC) immediately after the exam. Once results are released, the PRC must publicize the examination questions and TEI performance, along with reporting candidate ratings for each exam component.

Under the bill, the Department of Education (DepEd), CHEd, TEC, Early Childhood Care and Development Council, Association of Local State Colleges and Universities, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges, and an accredited association of teachers shall each recommend one nominee to the Board for Professional Teachers whose five members shall be chosen by the President.

The bill requires that Board Members must hold at least a master’s degree, preferably an earned doctorate, from a reputable college, institution, or school. It also opens Board Membership to faculty members from TEIs who have been teaching courses in professional education, general education, or any field of specialization for at least 10 years.