The Department of Education’s latest directive, DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025, released on June 24, 2025, brings renewed clarity and structure to the journey of public school educators—especially those aspiring for Teacher III positions. Whether you're currently in a Teacher I or II role or just charting your path forward, understanding the new qualification standards is essential to advancing your career in the Philippine education system.
In this blog, we focus specifically on what it now takes to become a Teacher III—both in elementary and secondary levels—based on the revised requirements that blend formal education, hands-on teaching experience, and updated professional training. This order doesn't just raise the bar; it reshapes the ladder.
๐ฏ Defining Teacher III in 2025: Beyond the Usual Promotion
The Teacher III position, classified under Salary Grade (SG) 13, is no longer just about tenure or years of service. Under the amended guidelines, it reflects a teacher’s readiness to take on more complex instructional responsibilities and to lead in content delivery and classroom innovation.
To qualify for Teacher III (Elementary), an applicant must now meet the following updated standards:
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A Bachelor's degree in Education, or a bachelor's in a relevant subject with at least 18 professional education units
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At least 2 years of teaching experience
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16 hours of relevant training in curriculum, pedagogy, or subject specialization, completed within the last 5 years
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Must hold RA 1080 eligibility, as amended (i.e., must be a licensed teacher through the LET)
For Teacher III (Secondary), while the educational background must align with the subject area taught, the eligibility remains under RA 1080, with similar requirements on experience and training.
๐ก Why These Changes Matter: A More Strategic Career Path
These revised standards signal a clear intent from DepEd: to professionalize the path to career advancement and ensure that Teacher III appointments are backed by actual capability, not just years served. According to a report by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), merit-based promotions lead to higher performance outcomes and better staff retention across government agencies—including the education sector.
This also aligns with international frameworks. The OECD’s Education Policy Outlook stresses that quality teaching requires continuous learning and up-to-date training, especially in evolving areas like differentiated instruction and technology integration. By demanding recent, relevant training for Teacher III candidates, DepEd is aligning the Filipino teaching force with global benchmarks.
๐ The New Emphasis: Recency and Relevance in Teacher Training
What stands out in DepEd Order No. 019, s. 2025 is the requirement that training must be recent (within the last five years). This emphasizes the shift toward a lifelong learning model, where professional development is not a one-time milestone but an ongoing process.
So, if you're an aspiring Teacher III, attending webinars, seminars, or workshops in areas like curriculum design, inclusive education, or 21st-century pedagogy is not just advisable—it’s now essential. According to SEAMEO INNOTECH, active participation in updated teacher training correlates strongly with student success in both rural and urban classrooms.
๐ซ From Classroom to Leadership: Teacher III as a Pedagogical Pillar
Unlike higher administrative positions, Teacher III remains rooted in the classroom. But this role now serves as a mentor-level teaching position—an acknowledgment of your ability to model best practices, coach less experienced teachers, and lead subject or grade-level planning.
With this order, DepEd recognizes that leadership is not limited to the principal’s office. By strengthening the qualifications for Teacher III, it is also strengthening instructional leadership at the classroom level. As UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring Report highlights, peer-led teaching excellence is one of the most effective levers for school improvement.
๐ Final Thought: Meeting the Standard, Becoming the Standard
This order transforms the Teacher III position into more than just a promotion—it’s a badge of teaching mastery and instructional credibility. Meeting the new qualifications means you're not just ready to move up; you're ready to lead by example in your teaching community.
So now is the time to assess your experience, enroll in training, and take a proactive role in shaping your career. With the bar raised, your opportunity to shine has never been clearer.
See also the qualification standards for:
Master Teacher I
Master Teacher II
Master Teacher III
Master Teacher IV
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