Philippine Normal University (PNU) recently hosted the Workshop on the Development of Association of Southeast Asian Teacher Education Network (AsTEN) Strategic Direction on May 8-9, 2023, and 15th Meeting of Presidents on May 10-12, 2023, bringing together delegates from leading Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) from ASEAN member countries.

AsTEN aims to address issues, challenges, and concerns relevant to teacher education programs, practices, and policies in the ASEAN region, and to foster collaboration in both academic and research endeavors within and across member institutions for the benefit of the ASEAN nations and peoples.

Workshop on the Development of AsTEN Strategic Direction

The representatives of AsTEN member institutions participated in a series of workshops aimed at understanding the current situation of teacher education in the ASEAN region. Workshop 1 provided a platform for the participants to identify trends and developments as well as issues and challenges in key areas such as knowledge creation, knowledge sharing, knowledge utilization, and knowledge management.

Workshop 2 was aimed at identifying AsTEN’s stakeholders, encompassing pre-service and in-service teachers, Ministries of Education, and other teacher education institutions (TEIs) in the region. The workshop targeted the needs and expectations of these stakeholders while exploring potential initiatives for AsTEN to launch, thus better serving them, and expanding its mandate as an ASEAN entity.

The third and final session of the workshop was dedicated to outlining the strategic direction of AsTEN, which included the following: collaboration among member institutions, promoting research and innovation in teacher education, advocating for policy reforms, and enhancing the professional development of teachers in the region. Target activities were brainstormed, ranging from organizing regional conferences, workshops, and seminars to establishing collaborative research projects and facilitating knowledge exchange among member institutions.

The participants also acknowledged potential roadblocks such as varying educational policies and resource limitations, participants also devised interventions to overcome these challenges. Proposed interventions included developing a harmonized framework for teacher education, fostering cross-border collaborations, leveraging technology for knowledge sharing, and forging strategic partnerships with regional and international organizations.

15th Meeting of Presidents

The objective of the 15th Meeting of Presidents is to discuss and the Five-Year Strategic Directions of AsTEN, which focuses on strengthening partnerships and linkages for collaborative research projects, AsTEN membership, quality assurance, and other initiatives aimed at improving teacher education in the ASEAN region.

In his welcome message, PNU President Dr. Bert J. Tuga compared the meeting to Manila’s Kilometer Zero, which is a marker located in the heart of Manila from which all distances in the Philippines are measured and serves as a symbol of coming together, a place of convergence, and a starting point for new journeys. Pres. Tuga emphasized the role of teacher education as a Kilometer Zero for the region’s educational, social, and economic development.

AsTEN Chairperson, Associate Professor Dr. Pattamavadi Lehmongkol, expressed utmost confidence that 15th Meeting of Presidents would serve as a catalyst for fostering extensive collaborations and initiating crucial discussions on advancements in teacher education, benefiting all AsTEN members and regions. Dr. Lehmongkol firmly believes that despite the adverse impacts of the pandemic, political unrest, and economic fluctuations on various business sectors and industries, education remains an unwavering cornerstone, playing an indispensable role in societal progress. Consequently, the work carried out by AsTEN emerges as a pivotal factor in providing essential support and leading developments across all sectors of our society.

Also present during the opening program via Zoom, Atty. Lily Freida M. Milla from the International Affairs Staff of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED-IAS) also sent her special message to AsTEN, congratulating them for their collective effort in transforming education for a better world.
Dr. Gina O. Gonong, Undersecretary for Curriculum and Teaching of the Department of Education (DepEd), was also present during the event to address the AsTEN representatives. She emphasized the important role of AsTEN in providing frameworks and models to ensure that pre-service teachers are trained to better support the varied needs of the Ministry of Education of the ASEAN countries.

Cultural Immersion and Tour

Participants of the workshop organized were not only engaged in productive discussions but also treated to an array of cultural performances by the PNU Rondalla, PNU Chorale, Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, and Balingsasayaw, showcasing the rich heritage of the Philippines.

Additionally, participants had the opportunity to explore the historical beauty of Manila through a guided tour at the iconic Manila Clock Tower, gaining insights into the city’s rich past and architectural marvels. Furthermore, a visit to Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon added an element of nature and relaxation to the itinerary.

The TEIs that are part of AsTEN are the leading institutions/universities in teacher education in their respective countries, offering advanced degrees in education, making significant contributions to education and teacher education in the area of curriculum, research, and instruction, and having international linkages and partnerships with institutions, especially in the ASEAN region. AsTEN envisions to prepare and adapt to the changes and challenges brought about by the ASEAN integration with a focus on teacher education.

AsTEN is composed of Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (Brunei Darusalam), National Institute of Education (Cambodia), Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (Indonesia), National University of Laos ( Laos People’s Democratic Republic), Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (Malaysia), Yangon University of Education (Myanmar), Philippine Normal University (Philippines) National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Kasetsart University (Thailand), and University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam).
The Philippine Normal University serves as the Permanent Secretariat of AsTEN.