Becoming a teacher in the Philippines, especially with the Department of Education (DepEd), is a dream for many education graduates. After finishing college and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), most aspire to get hired by DepEd within a few years. Many work in private schools or even pursue a master’s degree while waiting for a chance to join the government sector.

However, the harsh reality is that not all education graduates end up being hired by DepEd, even after many years. Some teachers grow older without ever getting the opportunity to work in the public school system. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why some teachers, despite their qualifications and efforts, still aren’t hired in DepEd.

1. Not Passing the Board Exam

The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) is one of the biggest hurdles to becoming a teacher in DepEd. Passing it is a requirement for every aspiring teacher. Unfortunately, not everyone passes on their first try, and some may never pass despite repeated attempts. This leaves many education graduates unable to apply for public school teaching positions.

While some are lucky to pass the exam in one try, others spend years trying, only to be met with failure. This situation is common and is one of the main reasons why some teachers never get the chance to practice their profession in DepEd. Preparing with the right materials can make a significant difference. For those looking for additional support, there are free LET review materials available here to help improve your chances of passing the exam.

2. Becoming a Full-Time Parent

Some education graduates end up prioritizing family over career. After getting married and starting a family, many choose to stay home and take care of their children. For some, this shift makes it difficult to return to the teaching field, especially with the demands of both work and family life.

While there are many teachers who successfully balance their work and family life, others find it hard to juggle both responsibilities, leading them to put their teaching dreams on hold indefinitely.

3. Discouragement Due to the Ranking Process

In the past, the ranking process in DepEd was often seen as unfair. The so-called “wrongking system” allowed applicants with connections to DepEd officials to secure positions more easily. This discouraged many aspiring teachers from even applying, knowing that their chances of being hired were slim due to the unfair system.

While the ranking process is more transparent and fair now, the damage has already been done. Many education graduates were discouraged from applying in the past, and some never reapplied even after the system improved.

4. Switching to Business

Some education graduates find themselves drawn to other fields, like business. After trying their luck in teaching, they realize that running their own business is more appealing. Unlike teaching, where they receive a fixed salary, business offers the potential for higher income and more flexibility.

For these individuals, business becomes their passion, and teaching takes a back seat. Even though they trained to be teachers, the lure of being their own boss and earning more money leads them away from the education field.

5. Struggling with the Application Process

For older education graduates, the changes in the DepEd hiring process can be overwhelming. The ranking and application systems have evolved over the years, requiring applicants to adapt to new trends and technology. This can be particularly challenging for older graduates who may not be as tech-savvy as younger ones.

The application process has also become more competitive, with more candidates vying for the same positions. Some older graduates may feel left behind and decide to stop applying, believing they can’t keep up with the newer, more qualified applicants.

6. Competing with Non-Education Graduates

In recent years, many non-education graduates have entered the teaching field through bridging courses. Professionals from fields like nursing, engineering, and accounting take additional units in education and then pass the LET exam to qualify as teachers. While these individuals bring valuable expertise to certain subjects, their presence adds to the competition for teaching positions in DepEd.

This trend has made it harder for education graduates to secure jobs, as they now have to compete not only with their fellow education graduates but also with professionals from other fields.

7. Choosing Other Careers Like Police or Army

Another reason why some education graduates aren’t hired by DepEd is that they pursue other careers, such as becoming police officers or joining the army. Government recruitment for these jobs is often done in mass hiring, making it easier to secure a position compared to waiting for a teaching job in DepEd.

With the promise of immediate employment, better benefits, and the chance to serve the country in a different way, many education graduates choose to enter law enforcement or the military instead of waiting for a teaching position.

Conclusion

For education graduates who dream of becoming DepEd teachers, the path is often long and full of challenges. Whether it’s failing the LET exam, dealing with family responsibilities, or getting discouraged by the ranking system, there are many reasons why some graduates grow older without ever being hired by DepEd.

However, it’s important to remember that success is still possible. Many teachers, including those who waited years to get hired, eventually found their way into the profession. The key is persistence and patience. For those who truly want to become teachers, it’s important to keep trying, applying, and improving. As long as you keep pushing forward, there’s still hope that you’ll achieve your dream of becoming a DepEd teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This is the updated article of ‘Reasons Why Teachers Aged but Still Weren’t Hired in DepEd.’