magna carta for public school teachers

• REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 June 18, 1966 THE MAGNA CARTA FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS
• Declaration of Policy


  To promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order that they may compare favorably with existing opportunities in other walks of life, attract and retain in the teaching profession more people with the proper qualifications, it being recognized that advance in education depends on the qualifications and 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
• Title Definition


  This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public School Teachers" and shall apply to all public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities
• Teacher


  All persons engaged in classroom teaching, in any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or its political subdivisions; but shall not include school nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees
• REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 - The Magna Carta for Public School Teachers


  June 18, 1966
• Declaration of Policy


  Promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects in order to attract and retain qualified teachers, as education is essential for economic growth
• Title Definition


  This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Public School Teachers" and shall apply to all public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities
• Definition of "teacher"


  • All persons engaged in classroom teaching, in any level of instruction, on full-time basis, including guidance counselors, school librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or its political subdivisions; but shall not include school nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees
• REPUBLIC ACT No. 4670 June 18, 1966
• Magna Carta for Public School Teachers

  A law to promote and improve the social and economic status of public school teachers, their living and working conditions, their terms of employment and career prospects
• Persons covered by the Act

  • All public school teachers except those in the professorial staff of state colleges and universities
  • Includes: classroom teachers, guidance counselors, school librarians, industrial arts or vocational instructors, and all other persons performing supervisory and/or administrative functions in all schools, colleges and universities operated by the Government or its political subdivisions
  • Excludes: school nurses, school physicians, school dentists, and other school employees
• Minimum educational qualifications for teacher-applicants

  For kindergarten and elementary grades: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education (B.S.E.ED.)<|>For secondary schools: 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 in Education<|>For secondary vocational and two years technical courses: Bachelor's degree in the field of specialization with at least eighteen professional units in education<|>For collegiate level courses other than vocational: Master's degree with a specific area of specialization
• Appointment of teachers who do not meet the minimum qualifications

  1. School superintendent may appoint on a temporary status

  2. Preference in appointments given to applicants based on their rank in competitive examinations

  3. Results of examinations made public and every applicant furnished with their score and rank
• Probationary period


  No probationary period if teacher possesses appropriate civil service eligibility<|>One year probation for those appointed provisionally due to lack of civil service eligibility
• Tenure of office


  Stability on employment and security of tenure assured<|>Provisional appointees extended permanent appointment after 10 years of continuous, efficient and faithful service
• Transfer of teachers


  1. Consent of teacher required except for cause

  2. Transfer may be effected by school superintendent with prior notification to teacher

  3. Teacher may appeal transfer decision

  4. Transfer expenses paid by government if transfer is approved
• Code of Professional Conduct for Public School Teachers to be formulated by Secretary of Education within 6 months
• Safeguards in disciplinary procedure

  Right to be informed of charges in writing<|>Right to full access to evidence<|>Right to defend self and be defended by representative<|>Right to appeal to designated authorities<|>No publicity during pendency of case
• Hearing of administrative charges against teachers

  1. Initial hearing by committee composed of school superintendent, representative of teacher's organization, and division supervisor

  2. Committee submits findings and recommendations to Director of Public Schools within 30 days

  3. If school superintendent is complainant or interested party, all committee members appointed by Secretary of Education
• No discrimination in entrance, exercise, or termination of teaching profession based on other than professional considerations
• Authorities to enable married couples who are public school teachers to be employed in the same locality whenever possible
• Academic freedom


  Teachers enjoy academic freedom in teaching and classroom methods
• Teaching hours


  Maximum 6 hours of actual classroom teaching per day<|>Up to 8 hours per day with additional 25% compensation
• Additional compensation


  At least 25% of regular remuneration for co-curricular, out of school, and other activities outside normal duties<|>At least 25% of regular remuneration for work in excess of 8 hours per day for non-classroom teachers
• Criteria for teacher salaries

  • Comparable to other occupations with equivalent qualifications, training and abilities
  • Ensure reasonable standard of living for teachers and families
  • Properly graded to recognize higher qualifications and greater responsibility
• Salary scale


  Gradual progression from minimum to maximum by regular increments after 3 years with satisfactory efficiency rating<|>Progression from minimum to maximum not to exceed 10 years
• Salary scales of teachers employed by local governments not to be less than those of national government teachers
• Cost of living allowance

  Salaries to keep pace with rise in cost of living through automatic adjustments based on cost of living index
• Special hardship allowances


  At least 25% of monthly salary for teachers in areas with hardship conditions
• Salaries to be paid in legal tender or equivalent checks/warrants cashable at any government or banking institution
• No deductions from teacher salaries except for lawful dues/fees and insurance premiums with written authorization
• Medical examination and treatment

  Compulsory free medical examination before and during employment<|>Free medical treatment and hospitalization provided by government
• Compensation for injuries


  Teachers protected against consequences of employment injuries and occupational diseases
• Study leave


  Up to 1 school year after 7 years of service, with 60% salary<|>No compensation after 1st year unless additional semester needed to finish graduate thesis
• Indefinite sick leave


  Granted when illness requires treatment exceeding 1 year
• Salary increase upon retirement


  One range salary raise as basis for lump sum retirement pay and monthly benefits
• Freedom to organize


  Teachers have right to establish and join local or national organizations to further and defend their interests
• Discrimination against teachers for exercising right to organize is prohibited
• National teacher organizations to be consulted on national education policies, professional standards, and social security
• Implementation of the Act

  1. Secretary of Education to formulate rules and regulations

  2. Secretary to submit annual budgetary estimates to Congress