There are tons of private school teachers who are either displaced or retired amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Some might had an option to play with – that they could go on for another year or so; or they could have had a different choice of where they would be working. Until the pandemic happened.
As per the DepEd, they plan to hire retired and displaced teachers as tutors f0r distance or blended learning. Because of the fact that there have been an influx of private schools that wouldn't be operating, they wanted this idea to become realistic.
Read: The Department of Education (DepEd) Defies Pass or Fail System For This School Year
Leonor Briones, the Secretary of DepEd said that they are currently working to get the guidelines for this. She adds the fact that they really are on the move to pursue this because in our time today, everyone needs to earn one way or another.
We want to pursue this. I want this idea because realistically, we know there are mothers who are not ready [to teach their children] – not because they can’t but because they need to work and they have many concerns.”
Because of the fact that about 440 private schools will not pursue operations this year, this was the plan that they're looking to go for. Not only will they be able to help retired and displaced teachers, they can also allow the learning of the students on a whole new different level.
Tutors in the Same Area of the Student
Jesus Mateo, the Undersecretary for Planning and Field Operations said that it would be better and more helpful to find tutors who are within the same vicinity as the student. This way, it will be easier for travel and transmission of the infamous virus would be less.
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In terms of prioritization, what we’re looking for are those who reside in the same area [as the student]. This is to ensure that possible transmission will be reduced because if they live within the area, travelling will not be required.”
In addition to that, Revsee Escobedo, DepEd Undersecretary said that it really was a part of the plan to hire tutors who are licensed; while non-licensed teachers can be utilized for blended learning.
Kung licensed teacher sila, puwede naman namin siguro sila i-hire at ang mga non-licensed, puwede naming i-hire as para-teachers for blended learning."
In Translation: If they are licensed teachers, we can hire them. Those teachers who are non-licensed, on the other hand, can be taken and hired for blended learning.
Hire-Para Teachers or Tutors
Mateo said that currently, they are in the process of finalizing and polishing the guidelines on how they would pursue this plan of theirs. As per Mateo, they're in the process of speaking to some of their subsidiary members which include the CSC.
Read: DepEd Announcement: Classes Are Planned to End on the 16th of June 2021
We’re just refining, finalizing the guidelines based on the comments of ExeCom members and finally, from the CSC Civil Service Commission (CSC)."
But, the request has been up to the DBM and as per reports, they already gave the assurance to the DepEd that this will be a part of the plan.
Subsidy Expansion Plans
Escobedo also mentioned the fact that the DepEd is looking to grow and expand their subsidies. By doing so, they can help a multitude of students to enroll in private institutions rather than the public counterpart.
Baka itong ESC... ay i-extend hanggang elementary."
Read: DepEd or Public School Teachers Will Get Hazard Pay and Other Benefit Packages
In Translation: The ESC might be extended until the elementary level.
And if we all are concerned about the plan to hire retired and displaced teachers, the DepEd said that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved this initiative already.
What do you think about the fact that only a mere 41.7% of the total private school enrollees last year enrolled this year? This figure was a staggering 400,000 private school students transferring to public schools. Education experts and officials point the finger to the virus for affecting the livelihood and the safety of the students.
In the case of the teachers, though, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers or the ACT said that about 405,000 teachers have negatively been affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). With the DepEd's plan to hire retired and displaced teachers, they would be able to help and assist tons of teachers with their livelihood.
Also Read: The DepEd Delays the Reopening of Classes to 5th of October
Based on the current situation, what do you think is the perfect solution for it? Could the tutoring plan of the DepEd be the solution that the country needs?
Source/s: Manila Bulletin News | ABS-CBN News
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