DepEd chief cites importance of teacher recognition programs

MANILA, Philippines — Teacher recognition programs conducted by private sector organizations recognized the efforts and sacrifices of educators, particularly the outstanding and innovative teachers working in schools all over the country, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.

Speaking during the Global Teacher Prize Ambassadors’ Forum: “Teacher Excellence – A Closer Look at the Global Teacher Prize” last Monday at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Briones said the country has plenty of teachers who are worthy of being considered for teaching excellence awards in local and international competitions.

Briones cited the Global Teacher Prize (GTP) and the Metrobank Foundation Search for Ten Outstanding Filipinos, which has four slots for exemplars in the academe, as teacher recognition programs where many teachers can qualify for recognition.

“We have to recognize and support excellence. We have to recognize those who do different things, those who innovate, and those who go out of the box,” Briones added.

Organized by the International Cooperation Office, the forum aimed to promote GTP’s Ambassador Advocacies in education and to share expertise, teaching practices, approaches and support systems in providing education to diverse learners.

The GTP underscores the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It also seeks to acknowledge the impact of the best teachers – not only on their students but also on their communities.