Review of class observations urged after teacher’s death
A House lawmaker on Thursday called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to review the current classroom observation system after the death of an elementary school teacher following such an exercise early this week.
In a statement, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio expressed his condolences to the family of Agnes Buenaflor, 58, who collapsed while teaching a class under observation on Jan. 7 at Pedro E. Diaz High School in Muntinlupa City. The veteran teacher was rushed to a hospital, where she later died.
Under DepEd Memorandum No. 89-2025, teachers are required to undergo periodic walkthroughs and full-period classroom observations, which factor heavily into their annual performance ratings. These ratings affect bonuses and promotion prospects.
Not a reliable gauge
Tinio said the existing observation system has become “oppressive and counterproductive to genuine teacher development,” arguing that it places teachers under intense pressure that can compromise their well-being.
He noted that Buenaflor, an experienced teacher, still felt undue stress from the observation process.
According to him, classroom observations have become “rehearsed teaching demonstrations” and “so do not reflect the actual everyday learning situation nor provide a wholistic view of the teacher’s effectiveness.”
Tinio urged education officials to reform evaluation policies to prioritize teacher welfare and meaningful professional growth.
