The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) has raised urgent concerns about the shortage of qualified principals in the countrys public schools, citing reports from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) that show over half of the nations 45,918 public schools currently lack a qualified principal. Official data reveals that only 20,718 schools have principals who meet the Department of Educations (DepEd) standards for school leadership.

“This leadership gap places an added burden on school heads who are sometimes required to oversee two schools or on schools left under the care of teachers-in-charge or officers-in-charge assigned by Division Office. This situation affects the quality of education service that students receive. A strong, capable school leaders are needed for a learning environment that supports both student growth and teacher development. said TDC Chairperson Benjo Basas.

DepEd reports that nearly 6,000 candidates who passed the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) in 2021 and 2023 are still awaiting formal appointments.

“These candidates for Principal I position, including those in Category B of the 2021 exam have already proven they are ready to lead, yet they remain in limbo due to limitations and delays in the appointment process,” Basas added.

To address the issue, TDC is calling on DepEd to expedite the hiring and appointment of principals, with a priority given to candidates who have been qualified for years but remain unassigned. Those who passed the NQESH before 2021, for example, should be prioritized since they already met prior standards, Basas suggested.

Basas also urged DepEd to re-evaluate certain restrictive policies under the NQESH policy. He proposed a modification to allow teachers with the rank of Teacher I to Teacher III, who have between 5 to 10 years of experience, to take the exam.

“These teachers bring a wealth of classroom experience and understanding of school operations. Expanding the eligibility pool could help DepEd identify capable leaders who are eager to step up,” he added.

For candidates in this expanded pool who pass the NQESH, Basas proposed that DepEd establish a targeted training program with courses in school management, along with hands-on training and mentorship.

“This can be supplemented by an objective assessment after one year of exposure and training, or by meeting additional requirements if necessary,” he explained, noting that the training would ensure new principals are well-prepared to manage schools effectively.

Basas emphasized that these policy adjustments could help recognize and empower deserving educators who have both teaching excellence and leadership potential.

“By providing them with a pathway to leadership, DepEd can tap into a larger talent pool and address the persistent shortage of qualified principals in public schools, Basas concluded.

The TDC emphasized that the scheme would also contribute to the ongoing efforts of the DepEd and the legislature to institutionalize a career progression system for public school teachers. #

Reference:
Benjo Basas, TDC National Chairperson
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