Teaching: Pride and Happiness

On the Fifth of October, people all over the world celebrate the nobility, influence, relevance and humanity of the mother of all professions – teaching. As a teacher myself, I mused over what could be a more fitting and finer tribute to the ones who produced doctors, lawyers, engineers, entrepreneurs, persons in government and in the church, and another teacher, among many others. I thought “what can we give to those who unconditionally give?”

Almost always, teachers receive bouquets of flowers, boxes of chocolates and so many love letters as manifestation of their students’ appreciation of their craft. Several schools hold tribute programs, give a day-off and sponsor spa treatments for their teachers. Of course, they made the recipients of these modest or grand things smile and felt loved, yet I am not very certain if these gifts and messages suffice the fundamental need of human beings to be recognized, especially if we know that teachers are always willing to give their all in their chosen career.

This must not be enough, must it?

To be sure, no amount of material gifts can equal respect from one’s students, colleagues, the powers that be and society in general. However, teachers have learned to work hard and to go the extra mile in their duties whether or not there is recognition. In the classroom and in the faculty room, they have accepted the sad reality that their only motivation is intrinsic. Had teachers been swayed by the monetary rewards of the other professions, nobody will be left breathing in the chalk dust and smelling that addictive ink. So we ask: Why do we still have our teachers?

Our teachers remain true and committed to their professions because of the pride and happiness they obtain from the very act of teaching itself. Across levels and disciplines, teachers agree that it is not about the remuneration or the prominence that has given them fulfillment. We know of many who retired and died poor and unrecognized. Yet, we still see a lot of teachers doing their jobs religiously as if all of them will be given a Gawad or some other names for their outstanding performance.

I have gathered the thoughts and sentiments of our dear teachers on what makes them happy and proud about their being a teacher. This, because I thought that the greatest tribute we can offer them is when we acknowledge that they are doing their jobs because they love their jobs; that no sophistication of a tribute can match their innate zeal and zest to teach. Their responses may be of assorted forms and substances, but all of them boil down to the heart of teaching: PASSION, the source of all pride and happiness that essentially needs no tribute for.

DR. LAIZA GRACE CAVALES (Saint Giles International Language School, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.): “A teacher is as passionate as the stars. When this fire for teaching increases, I feel fully satisfied with my life. Hence, the reason to live becomes stronger than ever. I only have one thing in my mind when I teach: my presence should make my students happy. I should not be the reason why they tremble during class, but rather, I will be one of the reasons they are excited to attend every day to they reach their dreams. It’s not all about the theories. It is all about the life long journey I share with every person in thirst of this lovely adventure.”

DR. MARK N. ABADIANO (University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center): “The eagerness of the young minds to grasp the new technology makes me excited to teach. I am very happy to know they appreciate the knowledge and skills I give them and my joy is beyond compare when I know they can demonstrate what they received from me. When I made a difference in my students’ lives and prepared them to become professionals – that for me is the soul of teaching.”

VERNA MORAN (University of Saint Anthony, Iriga City): “Being a teacher was not my dream when I was young. It was my m0ther’s unfulfilled ambition. And believing that a m0ther knows what is best for her child, I agreed to fulfill her dream. N0w I c0uld n0t feel any regret because I realized I was made to be a teacher. I am happy that I am able to share knowledge with my students. I feel proud every year as I call their names receiving their diploma because I know once in their college days they gained something they will never forget from this teacher. I feel my worth every time my former students would send me messages thanking me for what I have d0ne to them.”

GILDA O. NARET (University of Mindanao, Panabo City): “What makes a teacher happy and proud is when he sees the students succeed through him. It is when the teachers see the students becoming more and more independent with every activity he employs. It is when the teacher himself witnesses how his students progress through time. It is when he sees the students’ faces brighten with glee, apparently hit with a wave of understanding.”

JOSE NINO CAPUL (English International Language School, Cebu): “When I see my students become successful in life and become better persons in their own ways. I am so happy and proud when I see barefooted children walking miles away just to attend the class and crossing dangerous rivers and telling me “Teacher, I want to be like you.”

LINDY PUJANTE (Naga Central Elementary School, Cebu): “I find greater fulfillment in teaching than working an 8 to 5 office job because I can mold young children to be the best that they can be. Teachers have a big influence in children’s lives. They can make the best and worst persons out of these young students, depending on how they will use their influence. I am always happy interacting with young people because they are the most honest and authentic people you can have in this world. And I am always delighted to see a timid, silent student who will stand up, speak up and begin opening himself/herself to the entire class. Among these things, I also love teaching because it satisfies my own curiosity.”

ROSALIA GUNOY (Bislig City National High School, Surigao del Sur): “At the end of the day my students learn something worthwhile from me for them to use in the real world of life – that makes me happy and proud. As teachers we touch life, and we have to be careful in touching them to be whatever they want in the future. We are not after of the pay that we receive but we are happy to know that after so many years that passed our students become somebody that make us proud. We are not millionaires in the real essence of life but we consider ourselves acquiring millions from day to day because of our students’ achievements in life!”

MYRNA D. ARANTE (Cebu City Department of Education):

Touches lives of young children and teenagers alike
Encourages change and improvement for their future Artistically endeavors interactions in the classroom
Creates a second home for students of all interests Handles cases both emotional and psychological
Encourages minds to love learning and education Reaches out to families and communities

Heartwarming (for the hearts we touched)
Active (meetings, field trips, conferences, contests)
Playful (to keep everyone alive and awake)
Positive (believe that things will go well)
Youthful (always young at heart)

Plenty of ideas
Rich in experience with children
Outstanding in the performing arts
Understanding in every ways
Dynamic in imparting knowledge

JAY MARAVILLA (Leonides S. Virata Memorial School, Bataraza, Palawan):

BUHAY NG ISANG TITSER

Pula , itim, pula
100 , 75 , 65
sweldo , kaltas, utang
50,000 , 24,000 , o P 50.00
Turo , tayô , tahimik , tulala
Estudyante at pamilya.
Bulletin board ,paligsahan, penmanship notebook
Adviser , sigaw , hiyaw sa galit…
Galit saan?
Nakagawa ka na ba ng lesson plan? (ako hindi pa!)
Aral , basa ulit, HAY!
Wasto , mali , test , project
Manila paper , cartolina , floorwax
Anak , luto , asawa , laba
Kain , tulog , gising, uniform
Payó , payong , bota at ulong masakit.
Hikbi , sulat ng mga estudyante
Alaala , pamamaalam at ano pa?
Hanggang saan tutungo
Ang buhay ng isang guro?