History and Background

The Philippine Normal University (PNU), in its quest to continuously improve the state of education in the country, branched out its focus not only on would-be teachers but also on those who are already practicing professionals seeking advanced studies—the graduate students in teacher education. Thus, during PNU’s 1st National Graduate Teacher Education Seminar-Workshop (NGTESW) held on-site at the PNU Manila campus in February 15-16, 2020, the preconceived idea of a professional organization for academicians engaging in higher degrees of learning was made into fruition. Before the end of the two-day conference, an election was held to determine the maiden set of officers. Asst. Prof. Jayson L. de Vera was named the first president of the Philippine Association of Graduate Students in Teacher Education (PAGSTE).

After barely a month after the seminar-workshop and election, the entire world was struck by COVID-19 pandemic. This did not stop the officers to march forward in its goal for the furtherance of education and academic professionals in the country. Thus, amidst the strict lockdown restrictions, health protocols, and shifts of modalities, the body of officers led and made significant activities such as the 2nd and 3rd NGTESW (both of which are online), collaboration with the International Organization of Educators and Researchers, and co-partnership as organizer for the 1st and 2nd International Graduate Teacher Education Summit (IGTES).

Of course, the efforts to legalize the organization did not stop. The dream was finally made a reality in [INSERT ACTUAL DATE OF REGISTRATION/INCORPORATION WITH SEC] when the organization was finally registered and incorporated. Though its registered name is Metropolitan Association of Graduate Students in Teacher Education (MAGSTE), it shall remain to make itself known by its original name to embody its intended goal of representing and empowering all graduate students in teaching education across the islands of this Filipino nation.

PAGSTE’s philosophy and objectives are as follows.

The Philippine Association of Graduate Students in Teacher Education (PAGSTE) declares its guiding principle: To be a just and virtuous student organization that represents Teacher Education’s unified and sincere interest, instilling in it leadership, service, commitment, unity, patriotism, and democracy with honesty, equality, and utmost responsibility.”

The ASSOCIATION commits itself to the pursuit of the following objectives:

To provide leadership among the teachers in the Philippines towards the successful realization of a goal, a mission or an activity duly convened and approved by the Association;
To serve as a welfare station that improves, upgrades, uplifts or develops professional growth among its members and officers for the betterment of the educational quality of the country;
seek and advocate educational reforms along nationalist, humanistic and scientific methods, for the full development of the human potential, to respond to social realities and to promote academic freedom;
uphold the ideals of the University geared towards nurturing innovative teachers and education leaders;
To strive for the adoption of legislation, policies and other measures that will promote the quality of Education in the Philippines, social and general well-being of all teachers;
develop a sense of service and responsibility in society among students

Vision

The Philippine Association of Graduate Students in Teacher Education (PAGSTE) envisions itself as an Association of Graduate students committed to adhering to and strengthening the vision and mission of the Teacher Education Institutions by developing graduate students who are high quality executives, creative teachers, and leaders in education.

Mission

Being the base graduate organization of the PNU graduate students, the Philippine Association of Graduate Students in Teacher Education (PAGSTE) is dedicated to promoting educational development, learning opportunities, and technical support for graduate students who can significantly hone the quality of education around the world.