Fresh grads can now teach even without LPT — and that’s good news for many new teachers in the Philippines. The Department of Education (DepEd) now allows education graduates to work in public schools even if they haven’t passed the Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers (LET) yet.
This new rule is part of the ARAL Program (Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning), which helps students who are behind in reading, writing, and math. At the same time, it gives new teachers a chance to gain real classroom experience.
Let’s talk about what this change means, who can apply, and why it’s helpful for both schools and fresh grads.
What Is the ARAL Program?
The ARAL Program is a project by DepEd to help students who are struggling in school. Many of them had problems learning during the pandemic, especially in basic reading and math.
To help these students, DepEd needs more teachers. But since there aren’t enough licensed teachers right now, DepEd is giving fresh graduates and education students a chance to help.
What’s New in the Rule?
Before, you needed to pass the LET and get your LPT (Licensed Professional Teacher) license before you could teach in public schools. Now, fresh grads can work as tutors under a contract of service, even without an LPT.
This is not a permanent job, but it gives fresh grads a chance to:
- Gain teaching experience
- Help students who are behind
- Start working right after graduation
Who Can Teach Without an LPT?
1. Fresh Graduates of Education Programs
If you just finished your degree in education, you can already start teaching in public schools under the ARAL Program. You don’t need to pass the board exam yet.
2. 3rd and 4th Year Education Students
Even if you’re still in college, you can volunteer to be a tutor. This can count as your teaching practice and will help you prepare for the future.
3. Volunteers
If you’re studying to become a teacher, this is a chance to get experience, help students, and build your resume.
What Is a Contract of Service?
A contract of service means you are hired for a short time. You are not a regular teacher yet, but you can:
- Work in public schools
- Teach students as a tutor
- Get paid for your work
- Gain professional experience
This is a legal and helpful way for fresh grads to start teaching early.
Why Did DepEd Make This Change?
There are two main reasons:
✔ 1. Students Need More Help
Many students fell behind during the pandemic. They need tutors to help them catch up, especially in basic skills like reading and math.
✔ 2. Schools Need More Teachers
Right now, there are not enough licensed teachers in public schools. This rule helps fill the gap by letting fresh grads and students assist.
Benefits for Fresh Graduates
This change gives many advantages to new teachers:
- ✅ Start teaching right after graduation
- ✅ Gain real classroom experience
- ✅ Improve your resume
- ✅ Get ready for the LET
- ✅ Help students while learning on the job
Benefits for Students
The ARAL Program also helps learners by:
- ✔ Giving them more tutors
- ✔ Helping them catch up in class
- ✔ Supporting those who struggle in reading and math
This is very important after the pandemic, when many students missed a lot of learning time.
Is This a Permanent Rule?
No, this is a temporary solution. It’s meant to help during the current shortage of teachers and learning recovery time. If you want to become a full-time teacher, you still need to pass the LET and get your LPT license.
What Should You Do If You’re a Fresh Grad?
If you just graduated from an education course:
- ✅ Apply to the ARAL Program in your local DepEd office
- ✅ Get hired under a contract of service
- ✅ Start helping students while gaining experience
- ✅ Prepare for the LET so you can become a full-time teacher later
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I teach without an LPT now?
Yes. Fresh graduates can teach as tutors under the ARAL Program even without a license.
What is a contract of service?
It’s a short-term job agreement that allows you to work and get paid legally as a tutor.
Can college students also join?
Yes. Third and fourth year education students can volunteer and use it as experience.
Is this rule forever?
No. It’s a temporary rule to help schools and students after the pandemic.
Do I still need to take the LET?
Yes. You still need to pass the Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers to get a full-time teaching job.
Fresh grads can now teach even without LPT, thanks to the ARAL Program from DepEd. This move helps students who need extra support and gives new teachers a chance to start their careers early.
If you are a fresh graduate or still in college studying education, this is your chance to make a difference — for your future and for the students who need your help today.
