Public school teachers are among the most underpaid workers, given their
workload and role in the society. Despite the fact that they are heralded as molders
of our children’s future and second parents to our children, public school teachers
receive a basic salary that does not equate to their contribution. Our teachers are
considered to be the heart of the educational system. Hence, the government needs
to give priority to their welfare and interests.
The low salaries received by our more than 800,000 public school teachers
have been a major disincentive for them to improve their skills in teaching and
pursue further education and training. More so, our public schools have failed to
attract the best and the brightest graduates from the top colleges and universities
because of low salary levels, preventing our public education system from benefiting
from the knowledge and expertise of outstanding teachers. Especially with the
implementation of the K-12 law, having inspired and capable teachers is probably
one of the best investments our government could make.
In this regard, this bill seeks to raise the minimum salary grade level of
teachers from the current Salary Grade 11 to 19. With this increase in salaries, more
qualified and competent educators will be attracted to teach in public schools.
Definitely, this will greatly help in motivating our teachers to strive for excellence in
their field and thus, improve the quality of education in the public school system.
Read more:
Senate Bill No. 131 by Sen. Sonny Angara
