COMPETENCY SKILLS OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CANDELARIA EAST DISTRICT: BASIS FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The key objective of the study was to assess whether professional development has an important role in improving teachers' competency skills in their profession. The proposed professional development program was one of several strategies for improving teacher growth and competency. It gave teachers the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including workshops, seminars, training sessions, and collaborative learning experiences. These activities aimed to improve their teaching tactics, content understanding, classroom management abilities, and overall pedagogical practices. This study utilized mixed method research designs. The respondents of this study were 176 elementary teachers who are currently teaching in eight (15) elementary schools of Candelaria East District, Division of Quezon, in School Year 2023-2024. The researcher utilized survey questionnaire through google forms in gathering the needed data. The level of the competency skills of the respondents in terms of decision making and professional judgment were very satisfactory, instructions were outstanding and research and experience were very satisfactory. Study revealed a significant relationship between respondent profile factors such as age, sex, and length of service and their level of competency in decision-making and professional judgment, instruction, research, and experience. In educational attainment, decision making, and professional judgment, research and experience have a significant relationship, however for instruction there is no significant relationship. Teachers actively seek out various techniques to stay current on educational trends. The researcher recommends to teachers to develop and attend professional development courses. Other needs analysis relevant factors may also be considered.