Save the Head Teacher Position – Our Voice Must Be Heard

We, the undersigned Head Teachers from different schools across the country, humbly submit this petition to the Office of the President, Hon. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and to the Department of Education under Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.

Under the new career progression guidelines, the position of Head Teacher is set to be abolished, with existing items either reclassified into equivalent teaching positions or made coterminous to the incumbent. While this move is being framed as part of career progression, for us Head Teachers it is not progression it is demotion and demoralization.

For decades, Head Teachers have faithfully served the Department of Education, shouldering vital responsibilities in the management of departments, particularly in secondary schools and senior high school, where education is departmentalized and the load cannot be managed by the School Principal alone. Our role bridges leadership and instruction; we provide direct supervision, curriculum leadership, mentoring, and management of teachers in our departments.

By removing our position, DepEd is disregarding these invaluable contributions and is leaving us with two painful choices:

·       Reclassification to a teaching position, undoing years of leadership work, or

·       Waiting indefinitely for promotion to Principal, which is uncertain given the volume of Head Teachers nationwide and the limited number of vacant School Principal items.

What if we do not pass the Principal’s Examination (NQESH or NASH)? What if Principal positions remain filled for years? Must we wait until retirement without hope for advancement? This effectively strips us of dignity, recognition, and equal opportunity.

Even organizations that represent teachers, such as ACT and TDC, have remained silent on this issue. Thus, our voices as Head Teachers are unheard.

We are not against progress. We only ask for fairness:

·       Retain the Head Teacher position as a recognized and vital post in the DepEd organizational structure.

·       Allow Head Teachers to continue performing our functions as department leaders.

·       Provide us with clear opportunities for reclassification and promotion, without forcing us into a narrow path that disregards our long years of service.

·       Treat Head Teachers, Assistant Principals, and other school leaders with the same respect and consideration given to Teachers and Master Teachers.

We appeal to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Secretary Angara to listen to our collective voice. Do not let the Head Teacher position be erased in history. Protect our role, our dignity, and our future.

This petition is initiated through a signature campaign so that the sentiments of Head Teachers nationwide may finally be heard.

For our learners, for our schools, for DepEd, and for justice to Head Teachers, let us keep our rightful place.

Respectfully,

Sandy V. Mabunga

Head Teacher

Pateros National High School