By Michael Visaya

To enhance the performance of Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) in the region, the MMSU College of Teacher Education (CTE) is hosting a Competency-Based Training for Teacher Educators in Region 1 from July 22 to 26 at the Center for Flexible Learning.

Anchored on the theme “Towards LEPT Readiness: Enhancing Educators’ Competence through Transformative, Reflective, and Technology-driven Instruction,” the training primarily aims to improve LEPT performance management through a sustainable enhancement program and strengthened partnerships among TEIs in Region 1.

Participated by 32 TEIs, the training also aims to enhance teacher educators’ competencies in knowledge, skills, and exemplary practice, and to develop high proficiency in English as a medium of instruction using the Content and Language Integrated Learning approach.

A five-day event, the training is divided into two main parts, focused on the region’s performance data and a call for increased collaboration with three key indicators that significantly impact LEPT results: teachers’ competence, English proficiency, and administrative and supervisory support. 

Speakers at the said training include Dr. Carl Balita, Carl E. Balita Review Center President/CEO; Dr. Ritchfildjay Mariscal, Chief Admin and Finance of Caraga State University; Dr. Marilyn Balagtas, Philippine Normal University’s Vice President for Academics; Dr. Ryan Lansangan, Master Teacher at University of Santo Tomas; Dr. Lucris Carina Agnir-Paraan, President and CEO of Northern Christian College; and Dr. Stephanie Busbus, Director for the Office of Global Relations and Alumni Affairs of the Saint Louis University.

Dr. Marlina Lino, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Christine Joy Lim, Chief of the University Psychological Testing Center, will also serve as speakers from MMSU.

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 1 Director Christine Ferrer, who served as the keynote speaker, highlighted the importance of the training for teacher educators in the region, discussing their role in shaping the nation's future.

She also encouraged educators to continue seeking empowerment, not only to change learners’ lives but also to effect change and empower others.

“This is the future that we build together in the region. We aim for a high passing rate in LEPT through interactive classroom management, competency-based techniques, and technology and research-based pedagogies,” Dr. Ferrer told participants through a video message.

Meanwhile, MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. highlighted the university’s mandate of elevating the country's educational system by providing quality, well-trained, and challenge-ready teacher education graduates, equipped with the knowledge to overcome the demands of the present time. 

“This initiative is designed to train you to become more competent in your field. When you return to your respective institutions, may your goals and targets be clearer. Make sure that there is change,” Dr. Manzano added.

Dr. Aris Reynold Cajigal, MMSU vice president for academic affairs and the program leader, encouraged the participants to work together as one teacher education institution in the region to sharpen collective strengths, improve limitations, and elevate performance in the licensure examination.

The training is one of the three component projects under the program titled “MMSU- CTE Initiatives for an Improved Licensure Exam for Professional Teachers (LEPT) Performance in Region 1,” funded by CHED.