A Tracer Study of Villaflores College Graduates in Teacher Education Program: Basis for Career Guidance

The study sought to find out the Villaflores College teacher education graduates as the basis for a career guidance program. This study was conducted at Villaflores College, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, during the Academic Year 2014-2015. The quantitative descriptive research method was used with the statistical tools of percentage, frequency, weighted mean, and chi-square in the statistical treatment of data. The data were gathered through a questionnaire accomplished by the identified teacher education graduates. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the majority of Villaflores College Teacher Education graduates (AY 2014-2015) are already employed, with most individuals working in the public sector as teachers under the Department of Education. Most are female, 29-35 years old, and earned a BEED degree with General Education as a specialization. Most are in permanent teaching roles, while others work through contractual arrangements or are directly employed outside education due to personal choice or availability of jobs. Salaries are generally from P20,000 and above. It is discovered that it is very difficult to cope with employment because of high qualifications needed to get hired, limited vacancies, high competition and the preference of applicants who are beneficiaries of government programs and scholarships. These things show that even though there are job openings, the hiring process is still competitive, and people who want to get hired must have extra skills, experience, or credentials. It is also revealed that the demographic factors do not necessarily determine job placement or career success. Teacher education graduates should pursue a master's degree or higher to garner additional points. They should also consider applying to multiple divisions or submitting applications simultaneously to increase their chances of employment. Acquiring relevant training by attending seminars sponsored by DepEd and other organizations is essential for gaining points in the ranking process. Additionally, gaining relevant experience by working in private schools, as a para-teacher, volunteer teacher, or teacher aide can significantly boost their ranking score. During the teaching demonstration, candidates should effectively showcase their teaching philosophy and methodologies, incorporating ICT and the latest teaching trends. Furthermore, eligible applicants can benefit from special hiring privileges, such as 4Ps, IP programs, Localization Law, LGU item preferences, and DOST scholarships.