DepEd to prioritize hiring of teachers who are science scholars

To directly address the critical need for Science and Mathematics teachers in public high schools, the Department of Education has issued Memorandum No. 55 series of 2012 mandating the priority hiring of teachers who graduated as science scholars.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said Department of Science and Technology—Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) scholars should be in the priority list of DepEd Regional Directors when hiring new teachers in public secondary schools.

“Our eyes are set on them because they have the proper training and are better equipped to teach the sciences—a very critical input for our students,” Luistro said.

There are currently some 143 graduate scholars of DOST-SEI who are available for hiring for school year 2012-2013. These 2011-2012 graduates majored in Physics, Physical Science, Chemistry, and Mathematics from state colleges and universities across the country.

As stipulated in their scholarship agreement, scholars, upon completion of their courses are required to teach in public secondary schools in their home region for a period equivalent to the number of years they enjoyed the scholarship.

Before teaching in public schools, the scholars are required to pass the Licensure Examination for teachers within the year.