DepEd, PNU ink agreement to bolster education research

The Department of Education and the Philippine Normal University have partnered to advance education policies and improve the quality of teacher education through the Research Initiatives in Teacher Education Program. Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Teacher Education Council Executive Director V Jennie Jocson, PNU President Bert Tuga, and PNU Vice President Teresita Rungduin signed an agreement to bolster education research on Nov. 27, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Department of Education

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) have partnered to advance education policies and improve the quality of teacher education through the Research Initiatives in Teacher Education (RITE) Program.

In a statement on Thursday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the partnership was formalized in a ceremonial signing on Wednesday, November 27, which was also attended by Teacher Education Council (TEC) Executive Director V Jennie Jocson, PNU President Bert Tuga, and PNU Vice President Teresita Rungduin.

According to Angara, the RITE Program includes 13 priority research projects aimed at profiling teacher education institutions across the country.

“The RITE Program, funded by TEC and executed by PNU, is designed to produce insights to be used as groundwork for pre-service and in-service teacher policy directions and recommendations,” Angara said.

He also announced that the TEC has extended the designation of Center of Excellence (COE) for teacher education to 34 universities nationwide for another year.

“The 34 COEs will assist the TEC in reviewing and reframing the pre-service teacher education curriculum and help develop a new recognition and performance system for the identification and designation of Teacher Education COEs,” Angara added.

DepEd also held discussions with the TEC to explore ways to upgrade the pre-service teacher education curriculum and improve learning outcomes for students.

“These esteemed institutions will aid us in fulfilling our mandates. We need your expertise in developing innovative solutions. Most importantly, we need your dedication to producing quality teachers who will inspire lifelong learners,” Angara said.

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