The Philippine education sector continues to modernize its standards, systems, and career pathways to uplift the teaching profession. At the center of this modernization is the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers, a structured and competency-based system that outlines how teachers can progress through higher career stages using measurable indicators.
To ensure consistency, fairness, and evidence-based ratings, teachers undergo evaluation through the Teacher Standards Assessors Program, a framework designed to review performance using both Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs) and Non-Classroom Observable Indicators (NCOIs). These indicators reflect how teachers perform inside the classroom as well as how they contribute to the school community beyond instruction.
For U.S.-based readers, this system mirrors performance-based teacher evaluations used across many American states, combining classroom observation, portfolio evaluation, and professional engagement standards.
The Teacher Standards Assessors Program: What It Is and Why It Matters
The Teacher Standards Assessors Program aims to ensure that teacher performance evaluations are:
-
Competency-based
-
Transparent
-
Aligned with the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST)
-
Standardized nationwide
Assessors undergo training to ensure they can rate teachers accurately and consistently, regardless of region or school type.
Two Key Components of Evaluation
1. Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs)
These focus on what assessors can directly observe during teaching demonstrations, including:
-
Lesson clarity
-
Instructional strategies
-
Student engagement
-
Assessment practices
-
Learning environment management
2. Non-Classroom Observable Indicators (NCOIs)
These reflect performance outside the classroom, such as:
-
Accomplished portfolios
-
Professional learning activities
-
Instructional materials
-
School/community involvement
-
Leadership and mentoring roles
Together, COIs and NCOIs validate that teachers are not only effective in teaching but are also active contributors to overall school improvement.
Why Performance Requirements Are Important
✔ They promote fairness
Teachers are rated using uniform indicators, ensuring equal opportunities across regions.
✔ They set clear expectations
Teachers understand what competencies they need to demonstrate to qualify for promotions.
✔ They reinforce continuous professional development
Performance requirements motivate teachers to update their instructional strategies and leadership skills.
✔ They align the Philippines with global teacher standards
Similar systems are used in the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Singapore.
Performance Requirements for Each Teacher Career Stage
Below is a clear, easy-to-read breakdown of the Classroom Observable Indicators (COIs) and Non-Classroom Observable Indicators (NCOIs) required for each level of the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers.
TEACHER LEVELS
Teacher I (Career Stage I)
-
COIs: At least 6 Proficient COIs rated Very Satisfactory
-
NCOIs: At least 4 Proficient NCOIs rated Very Satisfactory
Teacher II
-
COIs: Minimum 12 Proficient COIs at Very Satisfactory
-
NCOIs: Minimum 8 Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
Teacher IV
-
COIs: 21 Proficient COIs at Very Satisfactory
-
NCOIs: 16 Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
Teacher V
-
COIs: At least 6 Proficient COIs rated Outstanding
-
NCOIs: At least 4 Proficient NCOIs rated Outstanding
Teacher VI
-
COIs: At least 12 Proficient COIs rated Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
4 Proficient NCOIs rated Very Satisfactory
-
4 Proficient NCOIs rated Outstanding
-
Teacher VII
-
COIs: At least 18 Proficient COIs rated Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
6 Proficient NCOIs rated Very Satisfactory
-
6 Proficient NCOIs rated Outstanding
-
MASTER TEACHER LEVELS
Master Teacher I
-
COIs: 21 Proficient COIs at Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
8 Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
-
8 Proficient NCOIs at Outstanding
-
Master Teacher II
-
COIs: 10 Highly Proficient COIs at Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
5 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
-
5 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Outstanding
-
Master Teacher III
-
COIs: 21 Highly Proficient COIs at Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
8 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
-
8 Highly Proficient NCOIs at Outstanding
-
Master Teacher IV
-
COIs: 10 Distinguished COIs at Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
5 Distinguished NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
-
5 Distinguished NCOIs at Outstanding
-
Master Teacher V
-
COIs: 21 Distinguished COIs at Outstanding
-
NCOIs:
-
8 Distinguished NCOIs at Very Satisfactory
-
8 Distinguished NCOIs at Outstanding
-
What This Means for the Future of Philippine Education
The Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers strengthens the teaching profession by:
-
Rewarding merit and competence
-
Encouraging teachers to pursue advanced instructional skills
-
Promoting leadership and mentorship within schools
-
Improving instructional quality nationwide
-
Elevating the status and professionalism of Filipino educators
For readers in the United States, this system offers a strong example of how developing nations can modernize teacher evaluation using evidence-based and internationally aligned frameworks.
The performance requirements under the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers ensure that promotions are based on real teaching impact, professional growth, and contributions to school improvement. By relying on clear, measurable indicators, the system paves the way for a more effective, motivated, and empowered Philippine teaching force.