THE Department of Education (DepEd) has emphasized that teachers are only required to teach six hours per day and are eligible for overtime compensation for up to two additional hours per day.
This directive was established in the implementing guidelines of DepEd Order 005 series of 2024, titled Rationalization of Teachers’ Workload in Public Schools and Compensation for Teaching Overload.
The regulations are outlined in DepEd Memorandum 053 series 2024, approved by Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara.
“By optimizing teachers’ workloads and providing fair compensation for additional duties, we are creating a more balanced and sustainable environment for our educators,” Angara stated. “This will ultimately enhance student learning outcomes.”
According to the memorandum, teachers with less than six hours of actual teaching time may be allocated teaching-related responsibilities corresponding to the time available.
“These guidelines ensure that teaching overloads are managed transparently, with clear procedures for compensation and equitable workload distribution,” added to the statement.
Teachers who work more than their standard six-hour shifts may be able to obtain vacation service credits, which would give further appreciation for their efforts.
They will also have the option of completing supplementary work within or outside of the school.
“Importantly, no additional reporting requirements will be imposed. Instead, teachers will simply track their activities using logbooks, locator slips, or certificates of undertaking,” it said.
DepEd will use its online platforms to provide standardized templates and materials that will assist with the policy implementation process.
An implementation team, managed by the assistant school division superintendent, will monitor the policy’s implementation across all schools to ensure compliance with the specified parameters.#