Time to say 'Thank You' again to our teachers

MANILA, Philippines - Almost on a daily basis, they tell us about our Math or Science. They remind us about the value of learning. Theirs are the ears always ready to listen, hands always ready to give and shoulders always ready to give comfort. They give, sometimes a lot more than just their time and effort, even the money they can use to buy food for their families. They bind not just classrooms, but also communities.

It is time once again to say thank you to the real heroes of our lives. It is time to share the story of the teacher who has made a difference in a student’s life, in a classroom and in the community.

The Many Faces of the Teacher program of Bato Balani Foundation, Inc. are now accepting nominations for this year’s search for honorees.

The search is open to teachers of all ages, who have demonstrated exceptional performance in teaching, have employed creativity, innovation and resourcefulness in teaching and have impeccable values on teaching, family and personal life.

The nominee should have a deep sense of nationalism and is committed to teaching for the benefit of the country and its people. He or she must be a respected member of the community and is a role model for students, colleagues and other members of the community and must be active members of the community and has engaged in socio civic work.

Partner organizations, school associations, religious organization, Department of Education and school heads, students and teachers can nominate.

Organizers will use the following criteria for evaluation: person of integrity and morality; in good relations with students, colleagues, community members and family; commitment and dedication to the teaching vocation; strength of values/principles   applied in teaching and personal life and involvement in school and community activities.

The Many Faces of the Teacher is a continuing public service and advocacy campaign of Bato Balani Foundation Inc. the social arm of one of the country’s leading educational publishers, Diwa Learning Systems Inc.

The program aims to recognize teachers who play a significant role in the life of a student, nurture and mold the character of future leaders and heroes, hence, becoming a force that shapes this nation.

This year’s honorees will join the ranks of program awardees such as DepEd best mobile teacher awarded Jenelyn Baylon, Batibot founder Feny delos Angeles-Bautista; teacher Dr. Josette T. Biyo, to whom Planet Biyo was named after; mentor and esteemed teacher Dr. Onofre Pagsanghan; Loboc Children’s Choir founder and nurturing mom Alma Fernando-Taldo; World’s Fastest Reader and reading coach Dr. Maria Teresa F. Calderon; wonder worker and mathematics pillar Dr. Milagros Ibe and man for others and mentor Fr. James Reuter.

To nominate, log on to www.diwa.ph to secure a nomination form or visit Bato Balani Foundation Inc., office at 6/F PDCP Bank Center, V.A. Rufino cor. Leviste Streets, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Nomination form may be sent to [email protected] or faxed to number 8926464, or mailed to Bato Balani office. Schools may also coordinate with the Diwa Learning Systems Specialists (LSS) assigned to them.