Science scholars given priority in hiring of teachers

MANILA, Philippines - Education Secretary Armin Luistro has ordered all Department of Education (DepEd) regional directors to give priority to government science scholars when hiring new teachers for public secondary schools.

Luistro issued DepEd Memorandum 114 Series of 2013, directing all DepEd regional directors to prioritize scholars who graduated under the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) program.

Luistro said DepEd needs the expertise of these graduates to address the need for teachers in mathematics and other science-related fields.

“This fresh infusion to our teaching force is DepEd’s contribution to nation-building as the country’s economic activities are becoming more and more  science and technology-driven,” he said.     

The DOST-SEI scholars have signed an agreement that upon completion of their courses, they are required to teach in public high schools in their home region for a period equivalent to the number of years they benefited from the scholarship, the official said.

“These scholars must pass the Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) within the year as a pre-requisite for a permanent position,” Luistro said.

This year, the DepEd has hired 56,085 new teachers.