Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Teacher Education Centers of Excellence.-There shall be identified, designated, established and developed in strategic places in each of the regions of the country, one or more centers of excellence for teacher education based on criteria listed hereunder, assessed and adjudged by the Council. These centers of excellence shall be initially chosen from among existing public and private educational institutions by the Teacher Education Council created under this Act.

Should the need arise, certain centers of excellence for teacher education at the provincial level may later be identified and developed.

The criteria in identifying schools and colleges as centers of excellence shall include the following: (a) highly educated, professionally qualified and experienced faculty dedicated to the philosophy, mission, vision and goals of the institution and education; (b) well-selected students; (c) adequate library, research and study facilities; (d) competent administrative and support staff; (e) well-planned and relevant instructional programs; (f) adequate student development programs; (g) adequate student services; (h) relevant extension service and outreach programs; (i) percentage of graduates who become teachers; and (j) such other criteria as may be established and operationalized by the Teacher Education Council.

The Teacher Education Center of Excellence shall form a national network which in turn shall network with elementary schools, high schools and/or a part thereof for laboratory purposes.

Any center of excellence that is established shall be maintained for at least five (5) years before any proposal or review is made to transfer it elsewhere.