The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) for the establishment of Teacher Education Excellence Centers (TEEC) nationwide to strengthen support to the education sector.

In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the establishment of TEEC will help enhance the quality of education in the long run.

“The establishment of Teacher Education Excellence Centers represents a strategic reform that will strengthen and elevate our teaching workforce across the country,” he said.

The TEECs are seen to function as national research centers, innovation hubs, and laboratories for teacher education.”

It will feature evidence-based training models, help modernize curricula, and integrate advanced technology into educator preparation.

Among the beneficiaries of the TEEC are pre-service and in-service teachers, teacher educators, and school leaders.

Other specialized groups can also access the TEEC, including child development workers, pre-service student tutors, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainers, multigrade teachers, and deans of colleges of education.

To expand its reach across the country, the Teacher Education Council (TEC) also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with each of the six Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs), which will serve as the inaugural implementors of the program.

These include the Philippine Normal University-Manila (National Capital Region); University of the Philippines-Los Baños (South Luzon); University of San Carlos (Visayas); Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (Northern Mindanao); Caraga State University (Eastern Mindanao); and Cotabato State University (BARMM). (PNA)