Amended Qualification Standards for Teacher I-III, Master Teacher I-IV, and School Principal I-IV Positions, and the Qualification Standards for Newly Created Teacher IV-VII and Master Teacher V Positions (DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2025)

On June 24, 2025, the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines released DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2025, which amends the qualification standards for various teaching and school leadership positions. This policy revision applies to existing roles such as Teacher I to III, Master Teacher I to IV, and School Principal I to IV. In addition, it introduces qualification standards for newly created positions: Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V. The order aims to align professional advancement with performance, competence, and the evolving needs of the education sector.

Full Access to DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2025: DOWNLOAD HERE

The updated standards for existing teaching and leadership roles emphasize a more structured progression path. For teachers, there is a stronger focus on relevant educational attainment, teaching experience, and classroom performance based on the Philippine Professional Standards for Teachers (PPST). For instance, moving up from Teacher I to III requires not just experience but also evidence of professional growth and training. Similarly, Master Teachers and School Principals are now expected to meet enhanced requirements in terms of graduate education, leadership training, and demonstrated impact within their schools or learning communities.

A key highlight of the order is the introduction of advanced positions—Teacher IV to VII and Master Teacher V—which provide experienced educators with new career growth opportunities. These roles require more extensive teaching experience, higher levels of professional development, and proficiency in classroom observation indicators (COIs). For Master Teacher V in particular, candidates must demonstrate distinguished classroom leadership and advanced subject-area expertise, setting a high bar for excellence in instruction and mentoring.

DepEd Order No. 19, s. 2025 marks a significant step in improving the quality of basic education by professionalizing and expanding the teaching career ladder. It not only provides a clearer and more merit-based path for promotion but also ensures that educators in leadership roles meet standards that reflect both competence and impact. Teachers and school administrators are encouraged to review the full order and its annexes to understand the specific criteria and prepare for its implementation in their respective schools and divisions.