Expanded Career Progression allows teachers to advance without leaving classrooms — DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) said its Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System is intended to address a long-standing concern in the public school system: limited promotion options for teachers who wish to remain focused on classroom instruction.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a press statement on Wednesday that the policy allows teachers to advance in rank and compensation while continuing instructional and mentoring work, rather than requiring a shift to administrative roles.

DepEd said that the reform acknowledges the instructional leadership that teachers already demonstrate in schools. The department cited recent reclassifications under the ECP as examples of how the system is being implemented.

In Sultan Kudarat, Maribel Torreña was reclassified from Master Teacher I to Master Teacher III. Prior to her reclassification, she had been mentoring colleagues and supporting curriculum implementation at Esperanza National High School.

“I am proud and grateful to have been reclassified as Master Teacher III, an affirmation of my dedication to teaching excellence and passion for empowering learners to reach their full potential,” Torreña said.

DepEd said her reclassification formalized responsibilities she had already been performing while allowing her to continue classroom-based work and instructional support in the province and the SOCCSKSARGEN region.

In Capiz, Evita Rose Busil was promoted from Master Teacher II to Master Teacher III after years of classroom teaching and peer mentoring at Pontevedra Elementary School.

“Teaching has always been my vocation,” Busil said. “Every day in the classroom reminds me to nurture young minds with care and purpose.”

Busil described the ECP as a system that recognizes long-term teaching practice and professional competence, adding that it provided stability after years of service.

Under the ECP, DepEd established two career tracks: Classroom Teaching (CT) and School Administration (SA). 

The CT track allows teachers to advance from Teacher I to Teacher VII and from Master Teacher I to Master Teacher V while remaining focused on instruction, mentoring, and curriculum leadership. The SA track covers School Principal I to IV for educators who choose administrative responsibilities.

Teachers are allowed to shift career tracks once, subject to qualifications, assessments, and staffing requirements, according to DepEd.

The department said the system aims to align promotion with actual functions performed in schools while giving educators clearer career options. —VBL, GMA Integrated News