Emphasizing the crucial role that well-trained teachers play in ensuring better learning outcomes, an industry-led advocacy group on Thursday, Jan. 30, expressed full support for initiatives aimed at improving teacher education.

The Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) supported efforts by education agencies to implement transformative reforms in teacher education, which is a "critical driver" in realizing better learning outcomes.

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

PBEd highlighted the importance of aligning teacher training programs with the real needs of schools, urging further investments in the continuous upskilling and reskilling of teachers to prepare them for the evolving demands of the education sector.

Critical misalignment

Citing the latest report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), PBEd noted the critical 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 of their college major, with a particularly high mismatch in the sciences.

With this, PBEd said that the Teacher Education Council's (TEC) new proposals for the pre-service teacher education curriculum should be prioritized.

These include expanding experiential learning opportunities starting in the first year of college, emphasizing specializations to tackle the issue of teacher-subject mismatches, and strengthening early childhood education for Kindergarten to Grade 3.

For PBEd, focusing on these changes 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 for a more adaptive education system," Raagas said. "We are looking forward to TEC's national scholarship for teachers, which is patterned after PBEd's STEP UP model, in partnership with the Australian Government, offering scholarships aimed at attracting the best and brightest individuals into the teaching profession," she added.

Teacher education reforms

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

"Improving teacher education is not just about enhancing knowledge—it's about empowering teachers to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our students," TEC Executive Director Jennie Jocson said.

"This is how crucial the work of the Teacher Education Council is in our bid to improve teaching and learning quality in the country," she added.

During the forum last week, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara stated that "education is a long game" where teacher education plays a crucial role.

"It is a series of investments that hopefully pays dividends down the road towards a more prosperous nation," he added.

PBEd emphasized that, alongside improving the teacher education curriculum, there needs to be a more robust system for collecting data to gain a clearer understanding of teachers' real needs.

The industry-led advocacy group also urged reforms in the licensing process to ensure that aspiring educators are better equipped and well-informed.

"It is 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," Raagas said.

"Education thrives when we have teachers who are empowered to teach, engage, and inspire students," she added.