MANILA, Philippines -To recognize educators and institutions providing the best educational services to children with special learning needs, the Department of Education (DepEd) launched yesterday the search for the 2013 Outstanding Special Education (SPED) Teachers and Outstanding SPED Centers in the country.
“Teaching while taking care of children with special needs is no easy task. That is why our SPED teachers deserve special recognition for their diligence and enthusiasm, to further boost their morale and motivate them more to perform their tasks as second parents to our special kids in the best way they can,†Education Secretary Armin Luistro said.
The search is open to all SPED teachers of children with hearing and visual impairments, learning and intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and children with giftedness and talents.
It is also open to teachers handling regular classes, but at the same time rendered dedicated and excellent service in educating children with special needs.
DepEd said the screening for the division level starts this month, while regional screening will be in September.
The final screening for the national level will be in October and the awarding ceremonies will be held in November.
The winners will receive plaques of appreciation and cash gifts, the agency said.
Based on DepEd Memo No. 128 series of 2013, the criteria in selecting outstanding SPED teachers are instructional competence and teaching effectiveness, totalling to 90 points. Personal qualities and character carry 10 points.
DepEd said applicants may contact the DepEd’s Special Education Division at 02 631-9993 for further information.
DepEd earlier announced it will hold a national conference on special education in Iloilo this November to further hone the skills of teachers and school administrators in handling children with special learning needs.