Senador Win Gatchalian Looks Into Letting Other Professionals Become Licensed Teachers
Senador Win Gatchalian is studying a new idea: allowing people from other jobs to become licensed teachers. As the head of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, he wants to help improve teaching in senior high schools.
This plan could give schools more teachers without lowering the quality of education. Right now, the law makes it hard for people in other professions to switch to teaching. But with this change, it might get easier for experts in other fields to share what they know in the classroom.
What Is Senate Bill No. 2840?
During a Senate hearing, Gatchalian talked about Senate Bill No. 2840. This bill wants to change the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994. That old law only allows someone to teach if they pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and finish an education degree.
But many people—like engineers, accountants, or even writers—have real-world knowledge they can share. Senate Bill 2840 wants to give these people another way to become professional teachers.
Two Ways to Become a Licensed Teacher (If the Bill Passes)
The bill offers two choices for professionals:
- Take and Pass the Licensure Exam
Professionals can still choose to take the teacher licensure exam like usual. If they pass, they become licensed. - Submit a Portfolio
If they don’t take the exam, they can instead submit a portfolio. This is a collection of documents that proves they meet professional teaching standards. For example, they can show lesson plans, videos of them teaching, student feedback, or other proof that they’re ready to teach.
Why This Plan Could Help Schools
Many public high schools in the Philippines still don’t have enough teachers, especially for senior high school subjects like math, science, and technical-vocational tracks.
Some of these subjects need teachers with special knowledge, but it’s hard to find enough licensed ones. By allowing professionals to teach, schools can fill those gaps faster.
For example:
- An engineer could teach STEM subjects.
- A chef could teach cookery or hospitality classes.
- A business owner could teach entrepreneurship.
Letting them become teachers legally would make classes more practical and useful for students.
Protecting Quality in Teaching
Senador Win Gatchalian made it clear: this plan does not mean just anyone can teach. The goal is to make sure professionals still meet high standards before stepping into a classroom.
That’s why the bill asks for a portfolio or an exam, so there is still proof that the person can teach well. It’s not an easy shortcut—it’s a different pathway for those who are already good at what they do and want to help students learn.
Support for the Bill
Many teachers, education experts, and even students agree that this could be a good change—if done properly. It will open up new chances for people who want to teach but did not take an education course.
It also values real-life experience, which is something the current system doesn’t focus on much.
My Thoughts as a Reader
As someone who knows people from different professions who want to teach, I think this is a great move. I know a nurse who wants to teach health subjects and a graphic designer who could teach media or design in senior high.
But they’ve felt stuck because they didn’t take education in college. This bill could give them the chance to finally share what they know.
Also, many students would benefit from teachers who have real-world experience. It’s one thing to read from a book; it’s another to hear real advice from someone who has worked in that field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply under this new plan?
Professionals from any field who want to teach and meet the standards can apply—like engineers, nurses, chefs, accountants, and more.
Do they still need a teaching degree?
No, but they must either pass the licensure exam or submit a strong portfolio showing they meet teaching standards.
What will be in the portfolio?
Sample lesson plans, proof of teaching experience, student feedback, training certificates, and other related documents.
When will this take effect?
The bill is still being studied in the Senate. It needs to be passed into law before the changes happen.
Is this only for senior high school?
For now, the focus is on senior high, but the rules might apply more broadly later.
Final Thoughts
This idea from Senador Win Gatchalian could really help the Philippine education system. It’s a smart and flexible solution to a serious problem. If done right, it could lead to better learning for students and more chances for professionals who want to give back through teaching.
Let’s wait and see how the Senate decides. But one thing is clear: this bill could change many lives—for the better.
