DepEd Extends Teacher Leave: Vacation Credits Are Increased by Two Weeks
DEPED – The Department of Education (DepEd) has raised the cap on leave credits for public school teachers.
The DepEd has increased the limit on leave credits for public school teachers to cover absences due to health and personal reasons, addressing calls for fair working hours and compensation for extra duties outside of school hours.
Previously capped at 15, teachers are now eligible for up to 30 vacation service credits, according to DepEd Order No. 13, signed by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on September 18.
“The revised order now entitles incumbent teachers with at least one year of service, as well as newly hired teachers appointed within four months after the start of classes, to 30 days of [vacation service credits] annually,” the DepEd announced in a statement on Friday.
Based on a report from Inquirer, teachers hired after the four-month window can receive up to 45 days of vacation credits.
This new policy applies to absences due to illness, personal matters, or “late appointments” that would otherwise lead to salary deductions, the order clarified.
Teachers who have earned compensation for teaching overloads can still accrue additional vacation credits, even after reaching the cap. Teaching overload is defined as working up to two extra hours per day, or 10 extra hours per week, beyond regular teaching hours.
“In the event of insufficiency of funds for the payment of teaching overload, vacation service credits shall be granted … and the [credits] earned shall be exclusive of the 30 days limitation,” the DepEd said in the order.
According to the report, public school teachers at the elementary and high school levels are required to teach for six hours a day. Any hours worked beyond this should be either compensated or converted into vacation service credits under current guidelines.
The order also detailed how vacation service credits will be calculated based on when the additional work is performed.
One hour of work beyond regular hours will equal 1.25 hours of vacation credit, while one hour of work during holidays, weekends, summer break, or Christmas break will earn 1.5 hours of credit.
Teachers performing unpaid overload work will receive 1.25 hours of vacation credit for each extra hour worked.
However, DepEd reminded teachers that claims for vacation service credits must first be approved by the schools division superintendent or other designated authorities.
To be eligible, teachers must complete the required tasks, including training sessions, remedial classes, election duties, parent-teacher conferences, and home visits, which are covered by the new guidelines.
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