ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Iloilo insists that it does not practice teacher-subject mismatch, ensuring adherence to the hiring process for public school teachers.
This clarification comes from Schools Division Superintendent Ernesto Servillon Jr., following inquiries prompted by national reports indicating a significant mismatch across the country.
According to these reports, over 62 percent of high school teachers in public schools nationwide are assigned to teach subjects they did not major in due to budget constraints limiting specialized hiring.
However, Servillon highlighted that, under his leadership, the local division strictly matches teacher hires to the specific learning needs of schools.
“When we hire, we prioritize the learning needs of our schools and learners,” Servillon explained.
For instance, if a school requires a math teacher, the recruitment focuses first within the local barangay, then expands to the municipal and, if necessary, the provincial level to ensure a suitable candidate is found.
Servillon added that the primary criteria for hiring secondary school teachers involve addressing the school’s specific learning area needs and prioritizing local candidates. This approach minimizes the risk of mismatches that could hinder both teaching and learning processes, he stressed.
Addressing a concern about subject mismatches, Servillon acknowledged rare, isolated cases where, for example, a math teacher might temporarily cover an English class due to unforeseen circumstances like absenteeism.
However, these instances are strictly temporary, ensuring that learning continues uninterrupted, Servillon clarified.
This stance comes amid broader national concerns about teacher qualifications, particularly in science. Data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) revealed significant training gaps, with over half of all science teachers lacking formal training in the subject.
This matter raises alarms about the preparedness of students for international assessments like the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scheduled for 2025.
Despite these challenges, DepEd at the division level is tasked with refining hiring practices to better align teacher qualifications with subject needs, a necessary step toward addressing the educational demands of today’s learners./PN
