Written by Dahlia Soriano (STELA)
The University of Baguio has long recognized the importance of partnerships with local public schools to prepare future educators for the demands of the profession. The secondary teacher education course or Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) was opened in 1953 for students desiring to teach in secondary schools, marking the beginning of the University’s commitment to teacher preparation. The University has deployed Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) students to various institutions in Baguio City for their teaching internship. These collaborations immerse student teachers in real classrooms where they apply pedagogical skills, deepen their professional identity, and learn directly from experienced cooperating teachers.
Over the years, student teachers have benefited from these partnerships, with recent deployments placing 19 student teachers across six cooperating public schools in early 2025 and 32 in three cooperating public schools in 2024. The impact is twofold: pre-service teachers gain authentic experience while cooperating schools receive additional instructional support. Beyond classroom teaching, student teachers conduct classroom-based action research that investigates teaching practices, addresses challenges, and recommends innovative strategies. These research outputs not only enrich the professional development of student teachers but also provide partner schools with valuable insights for improving learning outcomes.
Outreach activities have likewise become a hallmark of this collaboration. One notable initiative is the English Tutorial Sessions jointly organized by the UBHS English Department, the UBHS English Club, and the STELA-BSED program. Complementing these efforts, the School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts actively participates in the National Learning Camp, such as its engagement at Lindawan Elementary School, where pre-service teachers provide supplemental instruction and enrichment activities to support learners’ academic growth.
These outreach programs not only extend meaningful assistance to partner schools but also allow student teachers to refine their teaching skills in real learning environments. In addition, professional development seminars, retreats, and enrichment activities continue to shape the holistic growth of future educators, often with alumni returning as resource speakers to guide and inspire the next generation.
Through these endeavors, the partnership advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by equipping pre-service teachers with the skills for meaningful employment; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by demonstrating the value of collaboration between higher education institutions and local schools.
Moving forward, the University of Baguio remains committed to expanding its outreach, strengthening classroom-based action research, and sustaining collaborations that empower educators and enrich the wider community.
