DepEd rolls out expanded career progression system for teachers

The Department of Education (DepEd) has begun implementing an Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System for teachers, a reform aimed at addressing long-standing concerns over limited promotion opportunities in the public school system.

DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, signed earlier this year, introduces new teaching ranks—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—while offering two career tracks: Classroom Teaching and School Administration.

Unlike the previous system where teachers had to wait for vacant posts to qualify for promotion, the ECP establishes a reclassification process. This allows teachers to move up in rank once they meet the prescribed qualifications and competencies.

“Ang Expanded Career Progression System ay handog ng pamahalaan upang suklian ang kanilang sipag at sakripisyo sa pamamagitan ng mas malinaw na landas para sa kanilang career sa pagtuturo,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement Thursday during the National Teachers’ Month celebration.

(The Expanded Career Progression System is the government’s way of rewarding teachers’ hard work and sacrifices by giving them a clearer career path in teaching.)

He noted that the reform addresses gaps in the old system, where promotions were tied to available items rather than merit.

“Matagal nang hinaing ng ating mga guro ang limitadong pagkakataon para umangat. Ngayon, hindi na kailangang maghintay ng bakanteng posisyon. Kapag natugunan ang pamantayan at naipakita ang husay, maaari nang umusad sa karera,” Angara added.

(Teachers have long raised concerns over the limited opportunities for advancement. Now, they no longer need to wait for vacancies. Once they meet the standards and demonstrate competence, they can move forward in their careers.)

The system is anchored on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST) and School Heads (PPSSH), which emphasize teaching quality and leadership competence as bases for promotion.

“Layunin nating panatilihin ang pinakamagagaling na guro sa loob ng silid-aralan. Kapag mataas ang morale at motibasyon ng guro, mas mataas din ang kalidad ng edukasyon para sa mga kabataan,” Angara said.

(Our goal is to keep the best teachers inside the classroom. When teachers’ morale and motivation are high, the quality of education for the youth also improves.)

DepEd set a three-year transition period from February 25, 2025 to February 24, 2028. Under this timeline, vacant Head Teacher and Assistant Principal posts will be converted to Teacher I positions after 90 days from the issuance of the order. Unfilled Teacher I–III and Master Teacher I–IV positions are expected to be filled within one year from the effectivity of the implementing rules and regulations.

Teachers currently holding Head Teacher or Assistant School Principal positions may choose to retain their titles or be reclassified into equivalent positions without losing salary or step increments. They will also remain eligible for promotion to School Principal posts without having to pass through the Master Teacher I level.

The department also announced that teacher development programs will be expanded alongside the ECP through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP). Training and mentorship will be prioritized for teachers preparing for leadership roles, while teachers within five years of retirement will be given priority for promotion or reclassification.

“Kasabay ng bagong career progression, tinutukan din natin ang professional development ng guro—mula sa mas malinaw na job descriptions hanggang sa mas madaling access sa training at mentorship. Lahat ng ito ay bahagi ng mas malawak na reporma para gawing mas kaaya-aya ang propesyon sa ating kaguruan,” Angara said.

(Alongside the new career progression, we are also focusing on teachers’ professional development—from clearer job descriptions to easier access to training and mentorship. All of these are part of broader reforms to make the profession more attractive to educators.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News