DepEd Launches Reclassification of Teaching and School Principal Positions

The Department of Education (DepEd) has formally commenced the reclassification of teaching and school principal positions, an initiative designed to strengthen the career progression of teachers and school leaders. This move, spearheaded by Undersecretary Wilfredo E. Cabral, aligns with DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025, which introduces the Expanded Career Progression System for Teachers and School Heads.

This effort reflects the agency’s commitment to improving teacher career mobility, recognizing professional growth, and addressing the evolving demands of the education sector.

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Budget Allocation

The General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 has earmarked ₱6.148 billion for the reclassification program. This significant allocation highlights the government’s prioritization of teachers’ welfare and professional advancement, ensuring that qualified individuals are supported through the process.

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Prioritized Applicants

While the reclassification is open to all eligible teachers and school heads, certain groups are prioritized:

• Teacher I incumbents who are set to retire within the next five years, whether by mandatory or optional retirement.

• Head Teachers (HT) and Assistant School Principals (ASP) who are affected by the implementation of the Expanded Career Progression System.

These measures ensure that those nearing retirement and those directly impacted by system changes are given due consideration.

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Assessment Requirements

All applicants—whether prioritized or not—are required to undergo assessments. The guidelines are detailed in the following enclosures of DO 024, s. 2025:

• Enclosure No. 2: Assessment guidelines for teaching positions.

• Enclosure No. 3: Assessment guidelines for school principal positions.

This ensures a standardized and merit-based evaluation across all candidates.

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Application and Submission Process

The application process is anchored on clear timelines and accountability at different administrative levels:

• Schools Division Offices (SDOs) must endorse complete documentary requirements to their Regional Office (RO) by October 30, 2025.

• Regional Offices will forward these submissions to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Regional Office by November 30, 2025 for the issuance of the Notice of Organization, Staffing, and Classification Action (NOSCA).

• Upon issuance of the NOSCA, the SDO will prepare appointment papers and salary adjustments, which must be released no later than March 30 of the following year.

Regional Offices and SDOs are also encouraged to set earlier internal deadlines to avoid delays.

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Additional Resources and Support

To assist stakeholders, DepEd has made available a “Career Progression Tool Kit” containing FAQs, legal references, and capacity-building materials. This toolkit is accessible online via tinyurl.com/CareerProgToolKit.

For monitoring purposes, ROs and SDOs are instructed to regularly update the reclassification tool using the template at tinyurl.com/ReclassificationStatus.

Any inquiries or clarifications can be directed to the Bureau of Human Resource and Organizational Development – Human Resource Development Division (BHROD-HRDD).

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Significance of the Initiative

This reclassification initiative is a landmark development for the Philippine education sector. It not only opens more pathways for career growth but also addresses long-standing challenges in the teaching profession, such as limited promotional opportunities and inequitable career mobility.

By ensuring fair assessments, clear timelines, and sufficient funding, DepEd aims to uplift teachers and school heads—ultimately strengthening the education system and improving student outcomes nationwide.

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DOWNLOAD: DM-OUHROD-2025-2505 – Commencement of Reclassification of Teaching and School Principal Positions pursuant to DepEd Order No. 024, s. 2025