2019 DepEd Guidelines for Master Teacher Promotion

by Mark Anthony Llego

DepEd Order No. 29, s. 2002 (Merit Selection Plan of the Department of Education (DepEd)) clearly
states that it is the policy of the department to strictly adhere to the principles of merit, competence,
fitness, and equality, and that the selection and promotion of employees shall always be based on their
relative qualifications and competence to perform die duties and responsibilities of the position.

To achieve this objective, various issuances were issued by the Department of Education for the
selection, promotion, and appointment of various levels of position available in the department. For
School Heads, DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2007 was established; while for other Other-Teaching, Related-
Teaching and Non-Teaching positions, DepEd Order No. 66, s. 2007 is being utilized. On the other hand,
various references are being used in the selection and promotion of Master Teacher position, such as
MEC Order No. 10, s 1979, MEC Order No. 29, s 1979, and DECS Order No. 70, s. 1988.

However, most of the said issuances have gray areas that often lead to the different interpretation of
the personnel selection board. Thus, to further achieve the principles of merit and fitness, and the
objectivity and uniformity in the assessment and evaluation, these clarificatory guidelines are issued.

General Guidelines for Master Teacher

Promotion
1. Only those who are actually teaching shall be considered for Master
teacher position. This includes teachers who besides assuming special
assignments have regular teaching loads.
2. Positions for Master Teacher (MT) shall be allotted proportionally on the
basis of number of teachers. The number for the division shall likewise be
distributed proportionally among all districts.
3. An allotment of one (1) MT position per subject area for at least 5-7
teachers should be the basis in the secondary level (DECS Order No. 70, s.
1998)
4. If there are not enough qualified teachers in the district to fill the number
of MT position allotted to it, the positions may be filled by a qualified
teacher from other districts; provided, however, that such teacher shall
serve in the district where the MT position have been allotted.
Basic Qualifications for Master Teacher I
1. Permanent teacher (with Teacher Eligibility)
2. Bachelor’s degree for teacher or Bachelor’s degree with 18 professional
units in Education, and 18 units for MA in Education or its equivalent
3. At least Very Satisfactory (VS) Performance rating for the last three (3)
rating periods.
4. At least three (3) years’ experience as Teacher III.
5. Have at least 25 points in leadership, potential and Accomplishments OR
has been demonstration teacher in the District level plus 15 points earned
under Leadership, Potential and Accomplishment.