Priority Promotion in DepEd: Clear Guidelines for Teachers and School Leaders

Priority promotion is a key update in the Department of Education’s new policy for teachers and school principals. It gives fair and timely opportunities to those who have served for many years and are nearing retirement or affected by career changes.

In simple terms, this policy helps qualified education workers move up in rank if they meet the requirements and if there are available funds. Let me break it down for you.

Who Will Get Priority Promotion?

According to the new guidelines, priority in promotion—whether it’s through reclassification (changing your position based on merit) or natural vacancy (someone retires or leaves a post)—will be given to:

1. Retirable Teacher I Incumbents

These are teachers who are close to retirement. Two kinds of retirement are considered:

• Mandatory retirement – at 65 years old, with at least 15 years of service.
• Optional retirement – at 60 years old, with at least 15 years of service.

If a Teacher I falls into either of these categories within the next five (5) years, they will be given priority promotion, subject to certain requirements.

2. Head Teachers (HT) and Assistant School Principals (ASP)

These positions are also prioritized if the individuals are affected by the Expanded Career Progression program. This program is changing how career paths look for school leaders, and those impacted will be supported with clearer promotion opportunities.

Conditions for Priority Promotion

It’s not just about being retirable or holding a specific title. The following conditions must still be met:

• Necessary assessments – These may include exams, evaluations, or performance reviews.
• Staffing standards – The position must match the school’s needs.
• Availability of funds – Promotion only happens if there’s budget for it.

So even if someone qualifies by title or retirement status, they still need to pass all requirements.

What About Other Teachers and Principals?

Don’t worry—all qualified teaching and principal incumbents can still apply for promotion through reclassification.

Even if you’re not retiring soon or affected by career changes, you’re not excluded. You just need to go through the same process and meet all the necessary standards.

This policy aims to give fair chances while recognizing those with urgent or special cases.

Why This Matter

Let’s be honest—many teachers stay in the same position for years, even decades. The idea that “no teacher should retire at Teacher I” was even mentioned in the President’s 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA). That shows how serious the government is about improving teacher careers.

This priority promotion policy is a strong step toward that goal. It shows respect to long-time educators and supports school leaders during changes in the education system.

Key Takeaways

• Retirable Teacher I staff and affected HTs and ASPs are prioritized in promotion.
• All promotions still depend on assessments, staffing needs, and available budget.
• Other qualified staff can still apply for reclassification.
• This policy supports career growth and fair promotion for all educators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)