Teacher's unique approach wins parents' hearts

MANILA, Philippines - A 20-year veteran in the field of the education, Rodolfo Modelo joined the teaching force as an elementary school teacher assigned to various Quezon City schools, rising from the ranks through dedication, perseverance, patience and hard work.

Modelo manages the biggest elementary school in Southeast Asia — the Commonwealth Elementary School (CES) with a yearly population of 18,000 distributed from grades 1 to 6.

He has with him dedicated teachers to oversee daily activities nurturing students’ potentials in various disciplines as prescribed by the education department. “We work to develop strong and lasting relationships with parents and fellow mentors, but more than these, with vendors ‘decorating’ our entrance and exit gates,” Modelo said.

Outside the CES gate, vegetable, fruit and all kinds of ‘underground sellers’ abound, Modelo said, but he was quick to add, they are well-behaved and sometimes guide pupils in crossing the streets.

“I’m proud to say that after I was assigned here, fellow teachers came to me asking what more should we do to improve the school condition. I tell them that we work to become the child-mother-vendor-friendly school. They can come to us any time and we are here to help them to the best of our ability,” Modelo enthused.

Begging to infuse little politics in this interview, he said, “we inherited from Mayor SB these traits of openness, approachability, dedication – always having an ear to anyone in QC. Its good ‘Bistek’ and Maam Joy won, for they will continue the legacy SB shall have left behind. But I’m happy he will be in Congress again.”

Modelo’s outstanding awards include: the Superintendent’s Award for his effort to push programs on science and leadership initiatives, enabling the Batasan Hills Elementary School (he was principal there, too) to be accredited for Level 1; Plaque of Recognition for effective leadership and invaluable service; Second place, Best Brigada Implementor - NCR; second Most Outstanding male principal of Dep-Ed-QC and first place, Most Distinguished Public Elementary School Principal of QC; and first place, Division School for ’09 Best Brigada Eskuela (Small School category); and Superintendent’s Plaque of Recognition for the most improved school in Quezon City.