Striving for lifelong learning

Erickson C. Mata

The Department of Education, committed to deliver quality basic education, had encouraged high school science and mathematics teachers to apply for a graduate scholarship program provided by the government, through the Part-Time Scholarship for Science and Mathematics Teachers of the Department of Science and TechnologyScience Education Institute (DOST-SEI). As a lot of challenges are confronting the education sector, along with the pandemic, the country needs more scientists, mathematicians, and more people in science and technology, according to DepEd officials. As indicated in DepEd Memorandum No. 15, s. 2021, the grant -- open to High School Science and Mathematics (S&M) teachers who are currently employed with teaching load and have teaching experience of less than seven years – shall be awarded a P20,000 tuition grant per semester and a P60,000 thesis grant. This program aims to make graduate education more accessible to talented Science and Mathematics (S&M) teachers who are financially constrained to pursue graduate studies; upgrade the teaching of S&M in the secondary level through teacher education programs; and to accelerate the development of critical mass experts in science and mathematics education. DepEd officials said educators must always strive for lifelong learning, need to be constantly educated, and must always strive to possess mastery in their fields. It is important that educators do this so they can impart new learnings to learners. Additionally, the said program is under the Capacity Building Program in Science and Mathematics Education (CBPSME), in collaboration with the National Consortium in Graduate Science and Mathematics Education and the S&T Regional Alliance of Universities for National Development (STRAND). There are 16 CBPSME and three (3) STRAND universities that will serve as study placements for the scholarship. Also, the DOST – in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic has called on the youth to join the science community by pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The DOST-SEI has a scholarship program which aims to push for knowledge-driven development through S&T human resource advancement. Talented Filipino youth should pursue STEM-related careers and take active participation in research and development (R&D) activities, the DOST said.