Teacher quality is a critical determinant of student learning and education system performance. However, persistent underperformance in learning assessments points to the urgent need to strengthen the foundational stages of teacher preparation in the country. This Policy Note highlights the vital role of teacher education institutions (TEIs) in producing educators who are academically competent and professionally equipped to meet 21st-century classroom demands. It proposes core quality indicators and strategic refinements to current quality assurance mechanisms to better align TEI performance with national education goals and workforce demands. In particular, it notes that the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) passing rate alone is an inadequate measure of quality. A more comprehensive quality assurance framework should encompass broader outcomes such as employability, classroom performance, and stakeholder feedback. The LET must also be regularly reviewed to ensure its relevance and alignment with current teaching standards and practices.
