This is the last of the series this space is running a subject matter that is of national importance or interest. Why it is of great importance and interest, national at that? Well, this is because it transcends the future of this country – the youth, and the parents, are forced to sacrifice time and resources, for a laudable purpose, the immediate future of the youth. I hope that the esteemed readers-parents were somehow enlightened, if not more confused.
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At the crossroads are the tertiary teachers or professors. Last week, I saw and read news about some affected instructors/professors in college who were undoubtedly affected by the preparation of the K to 12 next year. They were about to be caught by the harsh realities that next year they will not have a job anymore unless they can be successfully chosen to teach in the Senior High School (SHS). This plight is answered in the middle part of this series – the Teachers group.
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Where will Senior High School be implemented? Will my school offer SHS? Existing public and private schools, including colleges, universities and technical institutions may offer Senior High School. There may also be stand-alone Senior High Schools established by DepEd or private organizations. Will SHS modelling schools that implemented the SHS program in SY 2012-13 be allowed to implement the SHS Program? SHS modelling schools listed in DepEd Order No. 71, s. 2012 may implement the SHS program, but they must go through the process of applying a provisional SHS permit, and must meet the standards and requirements for the SHS Program.
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Is SHS really necessary? Must I go to SHS? Yes, according to the law. Beginning SY 2016-2017, you must go through Grades 11 and 12 to graduate from High School. If I choose not go to SHS, what will happens to me? You will be a Grade 10 completer, but not a high school graduate. Elementary graduates are those who finish Grade 6; high school graduates must have finished Grade 12. Where can I find out more about SHS? You can find out more at the K to 12 page. You can also ask your school administration (public or private) to contact the DepEd division office to help organize an orientation seminar.
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And now on the concerns of the Teachers. How will SHS affect me? Will I lose my job? No high school teachers will be displaced. The Department of Education (DepEd) is in constant coordination with CHED and DOLE on the actual number of affected faculty from private higher education institutions (HEIs). The worst-case scenario is that 39,000 HEI faculty will lose their jobs over 5 years. This will only happen if none of the HEIs will put up their own Senior High Schools, which is since we are currently processing over 1,000 SHS applications from private institutions. DepEd is also hiring more than 30,000 new teachers in 2016 alone. The Department will prioritize affected faculty who will apply as teachers or administrators in our SHS.
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Why not just realign the K to 12 budget to increase teachers’ salaries? There is no “K to 12” item in the national budget per se. The ongoing implementation of the K to 12 Program involves the provision of basic inputs such as classrooms, teacher items, textbooks, school seats, and toilets. There are also items in the budget for computerization of classrooms, science and math equipment, and teacher training. K to 12 is a reform in the manner and content of education; it is not a single project with a line item budget. There are also ongoing discussions taking place regarding a raise in the salary of public school teachers and all other government employees.
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I am a graduate of a science/math/engineering course. Can I apply as a SHS teacher? Yes. If you are willing to teach on a part-time basis, you will not be required to take and pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). If you want a permanent position, you will need to take and pass the LET within five (5) years after your date of hiring to remain employed full-time.
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I am a hired TVI course graduate/HEI faculty/practitioner. Can I apply as a SHS teacher? Graduates of technical-vocational courses must have the necessary certification issued by TESDA and undergo training to be administered by DepEd or HEIs. Faculty of colleges and universities must be full-time professors and be holders of a relevant Bachelor’s degree. DepEd and private schools may also hire practitioners with expertise in the specialized learning areas offered by the K to 12 Program as part-time teachers. Faculty of TVIs and HEIs will be given priority in hiring for the transition period from September 2013 until SY 2021-2022.
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I am a practitioner. Can I apply as a SHS teacher? You may teach as part-time teacher in Senior High School under the track subjects. We encourage you to consider this to share your valuable knowledge and experience to our SHS learners.
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