ππ Why the Focus on Teacher I in DepEd’s 2025 Update?
In DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025, the Department of Education reaffirms the importance of the Teacher I position as the foundation of quality education in public schools. This order clarifies and strengthens the qualification standards for Teacher I, ensuring that public school classrooms—especially at the entry level—are led by competent, licensed, and professionally prepared educators.
As the gateway to the public school system, Teacher I serves as both an opportunity and a responsibility. Understanding the updated standards allows aspiring educators to better prepare themselves and align with DepEd’s vision of responsive, inclusive, and transformative basic education.
ππ What Are the 2025 Qualification Standards for Teacher I?
According to DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025, the requirements for Teacher I (Elementary and Secondary) remain straightforward yet crucial. These are designed to invite both new graduates and career shifters, while still upholding the professional integrity of the teaching workforce.
Let’s break down the updated qualifications:
π©π« Teacher I (Elementary) – Salary Grade (SG) 11
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, or any bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject area with at least 18 units of professional education courses.
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Experience: None required
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Training: None required
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Eligibility: RA 1080, as amended – Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), Elementary Level
π¨π« Teacher I (Secondary) – Salary Grade (SG) 11
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education major in a relevant subject, or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with 18 units in professional education
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Experience: None required
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Training: None required
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Eligibility: RA 1080, as amended – Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), Secondary Level
These standards reflect DepEd’s goal of attracting highly motivated individuals without imposing early career barriers like prior teaching experience or specialized training. Instead, emphasis is placed on academic preparation and professional licensure.
π§ π Why These Standards Matter for the Teaching Profession
By maintaining clear but flexible standards for Teacher I, DepEd ensures the broadest possible access to teaching roles while maintaining accountability. This benefits not just the applicants—but the learners, schools, and the system as a whole.
According to the Philippine Normal University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, ensuring a teacher has completed professional education coursework and passed the LET helps guarantee a baseline of pedagogical knowledge and teaching ethics.
The policy also opens doors for professionals from diverse academic backgrounds, including fields like Science, Math, or Filipino, to enter teaching through additional education units—ensuring a rich pool of qualified candidates across subject areas.
πΌπ Opportunities That Come With the Teacher I Position
While Teacher I is technically an entry-level role, it is also a powerful launching point for a long and fulfilling career in education. From this position, educators can progress to Teacher II, Teacher III, and beyond—eventually qualifying for Master Teacher or Principal positions based on performance, continuing education, and leadership training.
Moreover, DepEd’s MATATAG agenda ensures future support in the form of professional development programs, in-service trainings, and opportunities to specialize in inclusive education, digital learning, and curriculum development.
ππ’ Final Thoughts: Preparing to Apply for Teacher I in 2025 and Beyond
If you're planning to enter the public school system this year, make sure to review the following:
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Enroll in professional education units if your degree is not in Education.
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Take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and pass the appropriate level.
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Prepare your documents based on DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025—especially the updated guidelines on ranking and selection, which your local division office may soon circulate.
This is more than just a job title—it’s your first step in becoming an agent of change in the Philippine education system. And now, more than ever, we need dedicated, qualified educators ready to take the lead from day one.
See also the qualification standards for:
Master Teacher I
Master Teacher II
Master Teacher III
Master Teacher IV
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