DepEd reviews classroom observation policy after teacher’s death

The Department of Education (DepEd) is reviewing its classroom observation policy following the death of a public school teacher in Muntinlupa City during a scheduled classroom observation.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said he ordered the review in response to concerns raised by teachers, stressing that DepEd “recognizes the concerns raised by teachers regarding classroom observation.”

“Actually, it's an ongoing review because we changed the policy. So, we'll just see if it needs further review. It's under review because that's what the teachers are complaining about,” Angara said in an ambush interview at Francisco High School in Quezon City.

“Sometimes, the environment is under a lot of pressure. That's why we didn't make it a sole basis. Before, it was a sole basis. And the previous visits were a surprise. So, we did it on their schedule,” he added.

The education department clarified, however, that it is not moving toward a complete suspension of classroom observations, stressing that when conducted properly, humanely, and with a clear purpose, classroom observation remains an important tool for improving teaching quality and learner outcomes.

Angara said teacher evaluations are no longer based solely on classroom observations.

“There are a lot of other things to base it on. So, this is really a practice. The class observation on the promotion of the teachers. It's been a long time [the traditional way of reviewing teachers]. But in the past, it was the only way of reviewing,” he said.

“We changed it so that it's only one of many factors to use. And it's a bit relaxed in the sense that it's not too pressure-packed. And the review is based on that,” the DepEd chief added.

DepEd also emphasized that classroom observation is not meant to be high-stakes or punitive. Instead, it is intended to be formative, supportive, and collaborative—conducted within schools and among peers—to promote teamwork and shared learning.

Rather than imposing a blanket suspension, the department is drafting updated guidelines that move away from traditional high-stakes evaluations toward more teacher-centered approaches. These include full classroom observations when appropriate, short 5- to 10-minute walkthroughs, instructional rounds, and reflective, data-informed feedback mechanisms designed to support teachers without adding unnecessary pressure.

“Hindi namin sinasuspinde ang classroom observation dahil mahalaga ito sa teaching quality at learner outcomes. Ang binabago namin ay ang sistema—mula high-stakes, papunta sa mas makatao at supportive na approaches. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga guro,” Angara said.

“Nagpapasalamat kami kay Teacher Agnes Buenaflor at sa lahat ng ating mga guro. Malinaw ang bilin ng Pangulo: alagaan ang ating mga teachers,” he added.

On Wednesday, 7 January, Teacher Agnes Buenaflor of Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City died during a classroom observation.

Following the incident, teachers’ groups renewed calls for improved teacher welfare, including livable wages, adequate benefits, and increased funding for education, health, and social services.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) urged DepEd to urgently review classroom observation policies, saying these should serve as a supportive and developmental process rather than a punitive mechanism that adds to teachers’ stress.

Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers Philippines (ACT) called for the suspension of classroom observations, particularly as teachers have just returned from a short break, and urged a review of evaluation systems such as the Results-based Performance Management System in favor of fairer, teacher-centered alternatives.