07/10/2025
An OPEN LETTER To DepEd Secretary Angara
Dear Secretary Angara,
I am writing to you with a heavy heart, echoing the sentiments of many teachers who feel overwhelmed and disheartened by the current DepEd Expanded Career Progression System. While we appreciate the intention to elevate the teaching profession, the reality on the ground is that the system is causing significant stress and, for many, a sense of career depression.
The rigorous requirements for advancement, including demo teaching, portfolio preparation, annotation forms, written exams, and interviews, have created a high-stakes environment that is more anxiety-inducing than motivating. The process feels less like a celebration of our dedication and more like an obstacle course designed to w**d out deserving educators.
The demo teaching, in particular, is a source of immense pressure. The artificial setting and the scrutiny of evaluators often fail to capture our true teaching abilities and the rapport we have built with our students over time. The portfolio preparation, while intended to showcase our accomplishments, has become a time-consuming burden, taking away valuable hours from lesson planning and student interaction.
The annotation forms and written exams add another layer of complexity, requiring us to articulate our practices in ways that often feel disconnected from the realities of the classroom. The interview process, while necessary, can be intimidating, especially for those who are not naturally gifted public speakers.
We understand the need for a robust evaluation system, but we believe that the current framework is overly burdensome and creates unnecessary stress. We implore you to consider a more holistic and humane approach to career progression, one that values our experience, dedication, and the unique contributions we make to our students' lives. A system that inspires growth, not despair.
Sincerely,
A-Z
A Concerned Teacher
