📘 Climbing the DepEd Ladder: Your Guide to Teacher Reclassification in 2025

If you're an educator in the Philippine Department of Education, you're no stranger to the evolving demands of professional growth. With the recent release of DBM-DepEd Joint Circular No. 01, s. 2025, teachers now have a clearer roadmap for advancing in their careers. This guide breaks down what you need to know about the classification of teaching positions and how you can level up from Teacher I to Teacher IV, in alignment with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST).

🎯 What Is Reclassification in DepEd and Why It Matters

Reclassification refers to the official upgrading of a teacher's rank, accompanied by a corresponding salary grade increase and new professional responsibilities. It’s more than just a title; it’s an acknowledgment of your expertise, experience, and commitment to continuous professional development.

The recent directive covers both elementary and junior high school teachers, aligned with PPST Career Stages. It promotes career growth by recognizing not just years of service, but also the quality of professional practice and ongoing training.

🎓 Career Stage I: Beginning — From Teacher I to Teacher III

To transition from Teacher I (SG-11) to Teacher II (SG-12), you must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in education, or in a related field with 18 professional units in education. Additionally, you’ll need 8 hours of relevant training in curriculum, pedagogy, or subject specialization, conducted within the last five years. One year of teaching experience is required, and your eligibility must comply with RA 1080 standards (LET Passer).

The leap from Teacher II to Teacher III (SG-13) builds upon that foundation. It requires 16 hours of cumulative training in the same focus areas, 2 years of teaching experience, and a higher number of Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs) and Non-Classroom Observable Indicators (NCOIs) marked at very satisfactory levels. Specifically, 12 COIs and 8 NCOIs rated proficient will qualify you.

🌟 Career Stage II: Proficient — Moving to Teacher IV

For those aspiring to reach Teacher IV (SG-14), the bar is set higher—but it’s achievable with the right strategy. You’ll need at least 3 years of teaching experience and either 16 hours of training in key education areas or completion of the NEAP-required professional development program for Career Stage II.

What truly sets this stage apart is the rigorous performance requirement: 21 COIs and 16 NCOIs must be rated Proficient at Very Satisfactory levels. This isn’t just a numbers game—it’s about proving that your daily teaching practice is consistently effective and reflective of professional growth.

✅ The Power of RA 1080 and Training Currency

Across all classifications, eligibility under RA 1080 remains a non-negotiable foundation. It legitimizes your standing as a licensed educator. Furthermore, make sure your training is recent and relevant—DepEd mandates that all training hours be completed within the last five years to be valid for reclassification.

🧭 Strategic Takeaways for Aspiring Teacher IVs

This isn't just an administrative checklist—it’s a blueprint for success. Focus on improving the quality of your teaching, not just the quantity of years served. Engage with NEAP-recognized programs, document your COIs and NCOIs diligently, and continuously update your professional portfolio.

Above all, understand that this system is designed to reward those who grow—not just go through the motions. With clarity now embedded in the 2025 Joint Circular, there's never been a better time to set your sights on the next level.

🏅 Soaring Higher: Your Pathway to Teacher V and Teacher VI

Once you’ve stepped into Career Stage II as a Proficient Teacher, the journey doesn’t end there. If you’re eyeing a Teacher V (SG-15) or Teacher VI (SG-16) position, it's time to set new goals and embrace higher standards. The updated DepEd-DBM Joint Circular 01, s. 2025 outlines crystal-clear criteria to help you advance with purpose.

🔔 Promotion to Teacher V (SG-15): Showcasing Proficiency with Excellence

To move up to Teacher V, you can come from Teacher II, III, or IV ranks, as long as you meet the required credentials. These include a bachelor's degree in education or a related field with at least 18 education units, plus 3 years of teaching experience.

But what truly distinguishes a Teacher V aspirant is the depth and recency of training. You’ll need 24 hours of professional development in curriculum, pedagogy, or subject specialization, all completed within the last five years. Alternatively, finishing a NEAP-required program for Career Stage II teachers is also acceptable.

More importantly, your performance must stand out. A minimum of 6 Proficient COIs rated Outstanding, along with 4 NCOIs also at Outstanding, demonstrates that you’re not only proficient—but exceptional in your practice. This is where documentation, consistent excellence, and reflective practice all converge.

🏆 Promotion to Teacher VI (SG-16): Mastering the Proficient Stage

The role of Teacher VI is reserved for those who have established a well-rounded and consistent career of excellence. Eligible candidates may come from Teacher III, IV, or V, as long as they have 4 years of teaching experience and the appropriate educational background.

Beyond the required bachelor’s degree, what sets this rank apart is the depth of training and instructional leadership. You must have undergone 24 hours of training in any or a combination of the following: Curriculum, Pedagogy, Subject Specialization, or Instructional Supervision—again, within a five-year window.

Performance-wise, the bar is higher. You must present 12 COIs at Outstanding, and at least 4 NCOIs at Very Satisfactory, with another 4 NCOIs at Outstanding. This signals that your contributions go beyond your classroom—you influence school culture and empower others through instructional leadership.

📌 The Roadmap to Recognition

To recap, achieving either of these ranks requires a balance of:

• Time and tenure (3–4 years of teaching experience)

• Training with integrity (fresh, relevant, and aligned with DepEd standards)

• Performance backed by results (with a strong emphasis on COIs and NCOIs at the highest levels)

While eligibility under RA 1080 remains a constant across all levels, the emphasis on Outstanding ratings in both classroom and non-classroom indicators reflects DepEd's mission to celebrate those who consistently innovate and inspire.

🎓 Reaching the Summit: Becoming a Teacher VII (SG-17)

In the world of basic education, excellence doesn’t go unnoticed. The title of Teacher VII isn’t just a designation—it’s a reflection of leadership, expertise, and dedication to both pedagogy and impact. If you’ve been eyeing the peak of Career Stage II: Proficient, here’s how you climb to Salary Grade 17 under the 2025 DepEd-DBM guidelines.

🌟 Teacher VII: The Capstone of Proficient Teaching

To be eligible for Teacher VII, you must come from SG-14 (Teacher IV), SG-15 (Teacher V), or SG-16 (Teacher VI) and demonstrate not only continuity in performance but growth in leadership and instructional capacity. The bar is understandably higher—this role is not just about effective teaching, but about inspiring systemic improvement.

Educational requirements remain consistent: a bachelor’s degree in education or in a related discipline with at least 18 professional units in education. However, what sets this level apart is the rigorous demand for extensive and updated professional development.

You must have completed 32 hours of training in any or a combination of Curriculum, Pedagogy, Subject Specialization, and crucially, Instructional Supervision—a clear indicator of leadership. These trainings must be within the last 5 years. Alternatively, completing the NEAP-endorsed professional development program tailored for Career Stage II is also valid.

📘 Performance Metrics: Excellence Is the Standard

Experience-wise, candidates must have at least 4 years of teaching experience. However, your eligibility will heavily lean on your documented performance outputs, evaluated through both Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs) and Non-Classroom Observable Indicators (NCOIs).

To qualify, a Teacher VII candidate must present:

• 18 Proficient COIs rated as Outstanding;

• 6 NCOIs rated as Outstanding;

• and at least 6 NCOIs at Very Satisfactory.

These metrics confirm that a Teacher VII is not only an expert in teaching strategies but also demonstrates leadership beyond the classroom—whether through mentoring, innovating, or contributing to school-wide growth.

🛤 The Final Ascent to the Top of Career Stage II

Your journey to Teacher VII is not just about time served—it’s about the quality of that time, the impact of your actions, and the breadth of your influence. This role is for those who embody the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) at its highest level in the Proficient stage, continuously striving for transformation and community engagement.

🎯 Career Stage III: Becoming a Highly Proficient Teacher 🏆

When you’ve reached a point in your career where teaching is no longer just instruction—but inspiration—you’re ready to step into Career Stage III. This stage recognizes those who model best practices, offer technical assistance, and drive instructional improvement in their schools.

The reclassification applies to educators currently in Teacher V to Teacher VII positions (SG-15 to SG-17) aspiring to transition into Master Teacher I (SG-18), and later, from Master Teacher I (SG-18) to Master Teacher II (SG-19).

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🎓 Educational and Training Prerequisites 📖

To be eligible for promotion, teachers must hold a Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Management, or a relevant subject area. This isn't just a formality—it's a foundational qualification that ensures you're equipped with the latest pedagogical strategies and leadership frameworks.

But the degree alone isn’t enough.

You’ll also need to complete 24 hours of training in core teaching areas like:

• Curriculum design

• Pedagogy

• Subject specialization

Plus, an additional 8 hours in Instructional Supervision, completed within the last 5 years. Alternatively, completing a NEAP-recognized development program for Career Stage III is also acceptable.

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⏳ Experience: Mastery Through Practice 🧠

Climbing the professional ladder in education isn’t a race—it’s a reflection of your commitment to excellence over time.

To qualify as Master Teacher I, a teacher must have at least 5 years of teaching experience.

To ascend to Master Teacher II, that requirement increases slightly: still 5 years of teaching, but now with 1 year of documented experience in instructional supervision or technical mentoring of peers.

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✅ Eligibility and Legal Requirements 📜

All candidates must possess RA 1080 eligibility, which refers to passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). This legal credential confirms your standing as a professional teacher in either elementary or secondary levels, and it's a non-negotiable requirement for reclassification.

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📝 Performance Metrics: The COI and NCOI Benchmark 🏅

One of the most rigorous but essential parts of the evaluation involves your performance portfolio.

To be promoted to Master Teacher I, candidates need:

• 21 Proficient Classroom Observation Indicators (COIs) rated Outstanding

• 8 Proficient Non-Classroom Observation Indicators (NCOIs) rated Very Satisfactory

• 8 Proficient NCOIs rated Outstanding

To qualify for Master Teacher II, you must demonstrate:

• At least 10 Highly Proficient COIs at Outstanding

• 5 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory

• 5 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Outstanding

These benchmarks ensure that only the most competent and impactful educators are entrusted with mentoring roles and higher responsibilities.

🧭 Career Stage IV: Distinguished Educators Leading by Example 🌟

At Career Stage IV, teachers are no longer just proficient or highly proficient—they are distinguished. These are the educators who take on major leadership roles in instructional systems, support policy implementation, and provide technical mentoring at scale.

Teachers who currently hold the ranks of Master Teacher I (SG-18) or Master Teacher II (SG-19) can aim for promotion to Master Teacher III (SG-20), while those in Master Teacher III (SG-20) positions can strive to reach Master Teacher IV (SG-21).

This isn't merely about title—it's about demonstrating sustained excellence and sector-wide impact.

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🎓 Educational and Professional Training Requirements 📘

To be considered for promotion at this stage, a Master’s degree remains a fundamental requirement. It must be in Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Management, or a relevant learning area aligned with your field of expertise.

Beyond formal education, comprehensive training is mandatory:

• For Master Teacher III: You need 24 hours of training in areas such as Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Subject Specialization, along with 8 hours in Instructional Supervision completed within the last 5 years.

• For Master Teacher IV: The same core training applies, but you must also have completed 16 hours in Instructional Supervision—double the requirement of the previous level.

An alternative path is available for both ranks through successful completion of a NEAP-endorsed Career Stage IV program, designed specifically for Distinguished Teachers.

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🕰️ Experience: Leading Through Years of Service and Mentorship 🧩

Climbing higher in the education sector means accumulating both teaching experience and mentorship expertise.

• For Master Teacher III, at least 5 years of teaching and 2 years of instructional supervision experience are required.

• For Master Teacher IV, you must have 5 years teaching experience plus 3 years in instructional leadership and providing technical assistance to fellow educators.

This ensures that those occupying senior teaching positions are not only knowledgeable but also capable of shaping others’ professional journeys.

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✅ Legal Eligibility and RA 1080 Certification 📄

To qualify for either position, you must hold eligibility under RA 1080, signifying that you are a licensed teacher through the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers). This applies equally to those in elementary and secondary education levels and remains a cornerstone of legitimacy in your application for promotion.

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📊 Performance Excellence: Reaching Distinguished Ratings 🏆

For Master Teacher III, you must present:

• 21 Highly Proficient COIs at Outstanding

• 8 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory

• 8 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Outstanding

For Master Teacher IV, the expectations are even higher:

• At least 10 Distinguished COIs rated Outstanding

• 5 Distinguished NCOIs rated Very Satisfactory

• 5 Distinguished NCOIs rated Outstanding

These performance indicators showcase your ability to consistently deliver exceptional instruction while also being a key driver of innovation and growth within your school or district.

🔝 Reclassification to Master Teacher V: The Highest Pedagogical Honor 🎓

Eligible candidates for Master Teacher V must be currently designated as Master Teacher III (SG-20) or Master Teacher IV (SG-21). From here, you will advance to the highest rank in the current teaching position classification—SG-22.

But as with all high honors, the standards are equally high.

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🧠 Qualification Standards: Education, Training & Instructional Authority 🎯

• Education: You must hold a Master’s degree in:

  • Education

  • Educational Leadership

  • Educational Management

  • Or a relevant subject or learning area

• Training: Choose one of the following:

  • 24 hours of cumulative training in Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Subject Specialization, PLUS 16 hours in Instructional Supervision within the last 5 years

  • OR successful completion of a NEAP-recognized Career Stage IV (Distinguished Teacher) professional development program

This training ensures that as a Master Teacher V, you're not just a content expert—but also an institutional leader and coach to educators.

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📈 Experience: Leading with Impact and Authority 👥

To step into this role, you need:

• 5 years of teaching experience

• 4 years of relevant leadership in instructional supervision and technical assistance

These are not just years spent teaching—they’re years of transformational influence across your school or division.

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🏛️ Legal and Eligibility Requirements 📜

Consistent with previous levels, you must be eligible under RA 1080:

• For Elementary: RA 1080 (Teacher-Elementary/Secondary)

• For Secondary: RA 1080 (Teacher-Secondary)

This confirms your professional legitimacy and certification under the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

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🌟 Performance Requirements: A Legacy of Excellence 📊

For promotion to Master Teacher V, you must present:

• 21 Distinguished COIs rated Outstanding

• 8 Distinguished NCOIs at Very Satisfactory

• 8 Distinguished NCOIs at Outstanding

These are evidence of sustained instructional excellence, mentorship, and innovative contributions that elevate not just students but the entire education ecosystem.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Teaching as a Legacy, Not Just a Profession 🕊️

Promotion to Master Teacher V is more than a professional milestone—it is a lifetime achievement in Philippine education.

At this level, you're entrusted with a visionary role. You're no longer just a master in the classroom—you are a thought leader, an architect of change, and a beacon of excellence for future generations.