The Magna Carta for

Public School
Teachers
1. DECLARATION OF POLICY – COVERAGE

Section 1: Declaration of Policy

*It is hereby declared to be the policy of this Act is to promote and improve the
following. . . .

 The social and economic status of Public school teachers, their

living and working conditions.
 Their employment and career prospects in order that they may
compare favorably with the existing opportunities in other walks of
life.
 Attract and retain in the teaching profession more people with the
proper qualification.
 Be recognized that the advance in the education depends on the
qualification and the ability of the teaching staff and that education
is an essential factor in the economic growth of the nation as a
productive investment of vital importance.
Section 2: Title – Definition
*This Act is also known as the “Magna Carta for Public School Teachers” and shall be implemented to all
public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities.
*As used in this Act, the term “Teacher” shall mean that all
persons engaged in the following situations, such as:

 Teaching in the Classroom(s)

 Providing instructions in any level
 On full-time basis
 Including guidance counsellors
 School librarians
 Industrial and vocational instructors
 All person performing supervisory and/or administrative
functions in all schools operated by the Government.
 But shall not include school nurses, physicians, dentists and
other primary school employees.
2. RECRUITMENT AND CAREER

Section 3: Recruitment and Qualification

*Recruitment policy with the respect to

the selection and appointment of
teachers shall be clearly defined by
the Department of Education.
 For teachers in the kindergarten and the elementary grades =
Bachelor’s degree in the Elementary Education (B.S.E.E.D)
 For teachers in the secondary school = Bachelor’s degree in
Education or its equivalent with a major and a minor; or a
Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science with at least eighteen
professional units Education.
 For teachers of secondary vocational and two year technical
courses = Bachelor’s degree in the field or specialization with
at least eighteen professional units in education.
 For teachers of courses on the collegiate level, other than
vocational master’s degree with a specific area of
specialization.
*Provided, that in the absence of applicants who possess the
minimum educational qualification as herein above provided, the
school superintendent may appoint, under a temporary status,
applicants who do not meet the minimum qualification.

*Provided further, that whether the teacher/applicant possess the

minimum qualification or not, they are required to take competitive
examination.

*Lastly, the result of the exam shall be public and the

scores/rankings base on the result of the examination shall be
pointed specifically to themselves.
 Section 4: Probationary Period
*When the recruitment be recognized by the Government after
the professional preparation in any school, NO probationary
period preceding regular appointment shall be imposed
especially if the teacher is eligible for the said role.

*Provided however, due to demand in service, it is necessary to

employ an individual who meets the minimum educational
qualification but lacks of appropriate civil service legibility, he/she
shall be appointed on a provisional status. Allowing not less than
1 year in period of probation, such person shall be appointed of
his/her provisional status.
 Section 5: Tenure of Office
*Stability of employment and the security of tenure shall
assure the teachers to be covered under such existing
laws.

*Subject to the provision of section three, teachers

being appointed on a provisional status but with a lack
of civil service legibility, having rendered at least 10
years of continuous, efficient and faithful service on its
current position he or she shall be extended permanent.
Section 6: Consent for Transfer – Transportation Expenses

*Except for any valid reason provided, no teacher shall be

transferred without his/her consent from one station to another.

*A teacher should only be allowed to be transferred because (1)

an exigencies of the service of his/her position is required in
such station/location, (2) he/she is being asked by the
superintendent who should previously notify the teacher’s
concern in terms of the access un such station.
*If the teacher believes that the transfer has no valid
reason or no justifications at all, he/she may appeal his
case to the Director of Public Schools or Director of
Vocational Education depending on the type of case is
being confirmed.

*No transfer is allowed within three months before any

elections and any expense that will happen during the
transfer by the teacher or his/her family shall be paid
back by the Government.
 Section 7: Code for Professional Conduct for Teachers

*Within six months from the approval of this Act, the secretary of
Education shall formulate and prepare a code of Professional
Conduct for Public School Teachers and a copy of the said code
shall be emphasize to each teachers.

*Provided however, that where this is not by reason of inadequate

fiscal resources of the Department of Education, at least three
copies of the same Code shall be deposited with the office of the
school principal or head teacher where they may be accessible for
use by teachers.
 Section 8: Safeguard in Disciplinary Procedure

*Every Teacher shall enjoy equitable safeguards at each

stage of any disciplinary procedure and shall have:

 The right to be informed, in writing of the charges

 The right to full access to the evidence in the case
 The right to defend themselves and to be defended by a representative
of his/her choice
 The right to appeal to proper authorities, thus, any disciplinary actions
being taken against the teacher during the pending case shall not be
publicized.
 Section 9: Administrative Charge
*Administrative charges against a teacher shall be heard initially by a committee
composed of School Superintendent of the Division, a representative with at
least a rank of Division Supervisor, local Representative in case of the teacher’s
absence, Provincial or National Organization and supervisor of the Division and
2 more to be appointed by the Director of Public Schools.

*The committee shall submit its findings and the recommendations to the
Director of the Public Schools with in thirty (30) days from the termination of the
hearing.

*If the School Superintendent is the complainant or any interested party, all the
members of the committee shall be composed and appointed by the Secretary
of Education.
Section 10: No Discrimination
 *Exercising professionalism, there shall be no discrimination whatsoever in entrance to
the teaching profession, during its exercise or even during the termination of service.

Section 11: Married Teachers

 *As much as possible, the proper and appointed authorities shall take all the steps to
enable married couples, both of whom are public school teachers, to be employed and
assigned in the same station / locality.

Section 12: Academic Freedom

 *As reward, teachers on this period/stage shall enjoy freedom in the discharge of their
professional duties, particularly with regard to teaching and classroom methods.

Personal Quote: “Retirement should be the most exciting reward that a teacher can
look forward with after their fulfilling tasks.”