The University of Northern Philippines’ College of Teacher Education set the stage for the next generation of educators as it held its Pre-Deployment Seminar and Orientation Program on November 26–27, 2025 at the UNP Auditorium.
Bringing together all fourth-year students across its BEED, BSED, BPED, BTLED, BTVTED, BECED, and BSNED programs, the two-day event prepared pre-service teachers for their upcoming practicum under the theme “Readiness and Resilience: Equipping Pre-Service Teachers for Effective Teaching in the Current Basic Education Curriculum.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ma. Teresa Susan Manzano, Dean of the College, emphasized the critical role of preparing future educators for the realities of today’s evolving academic landscape. She stressed that aspiring teachers must be equipped not only with strong pedagogical knowledge and technical competencies, but also with the adaptability and resilience needed to meet the profession’s growing demands. By strengthening both skill and character, she noted, pre-service training programs can empower future teachers to thrive in the classroom and create meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of their learners.
The seminar opened with a presentation from Dr. Alma Tabilang, Public Schools Supervisor, who provided a clear and updated overview of the Basic Education Curriculum. She walked pre-service teachers through its essential features, highlighting the critical knowledge, competencies, and classroom-ready skills they must master before entering the field. Her discussion offered students a grounded understanding of the curriculum’s expectations and the professional demands awaiting them.
In the afternoon, the focus shifted to professional identity and conduct as Dr. Eva Marie Avila, Director for Quality Assurance, delivered an insightful talk titled “On Becoming a Teacher.” Dr. Avila emphasized the importance of effective communication, interpersonal relations, and professional demeanor—qualities that shape how aspiring educators engage with colleagues, learners, and the broader school community. She further highlighted the core values pre-service teachers are expected to uphold throughout their internship, reminding participants that teaching is as much about character as it is about competence.
The next resource speaker, Mr. Randolfo Lopez, Head of the Student Development Services, emphasized the crucial role of values education in shaping future educators. He discussed the integration of ethical frameworks and real-world moral dilemmas into teacher preparation, noting that these experiences equip pre-service teachers to navigate the complexities of classroom and community life once deployed. Mr. Lopez further emphasized that the decisions individuals make today inevitably influence the kind of educators—and citizens—they become in the future.
The second day of the seminar centered on preparing future educators for both the emotional and professional demands of the teaching field. Ms. Kristina Camille Pacis-Quitevis, a Registered Psychologist, led a timely and insightful session on mental health, emphasizing practical strategies that pre-service teachers can use to manage stress and maintain well-being. She also facilitated a mental health self-assessment, giving participants an opportunity to reflect on their current state and deepen their awareness of how emotional resilience plays a vital role in effective teaching.
Meanwhile, Mr. Christian Dem Haluber, College Supervisor for the BECED and BSNED programs, discussed the essential do’s and don’ts for pre-service teachers. His presentation outlined the standards of conduct, professionalism, and ethical behavior expected of those entering the classroom, equipping students with clearer guidance as they transition to field practice.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Jenny Lou Taan, Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, left the participants with an inspiring challenge: “A good teacher teaches lessons, but a great teacher changes lives. Be the teacher you wish you had but never have.”
The two-day activity strongly supported Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8, and 10—promoting quality education, fostering decent work and economic growth, and advancing the reduction of inequalities—emphasizing the University’s commitment to shape competent, compassionate, and socially responsible educators.
Article and Photo by Anastacia Joven.
