My teachers are my best friends, even up to this day. I was not the type of student who had a clique which focused on being the coolest kids on campus. Yes, I would rather stay with my teacher and learn from our conversations outside the classroom.
Now that I have already grown up, I realize that teachers really mold students into who they have become. If it were not for the teachers who worked relentlessly for lessons in day, there would not be students who are wise enough to have a successful life after.
As I was talking to a friend who is doing her practice teaching as a special education teacher, I realized that there is more to just teaching in this profession. Her field focused on students who had disabilities but she would like to call them special.
While our conversation lingered, I noticed one thing in common in her stories - most of her students were not given the chance at education at an early time. Most of whom she taught at a public special education shelter house were already in their 20s and 30s but were still learning how to count and how to sing the alphabet, as if they were in kindergarten.
According to her, her students were rejected by their families because of their disabilities. On top of that, they were ostracized in the society. I could only imagine neighbors fearing a child who looked funny on the outside or had weird mannerisms to begin with. I guess that is why most of her students' families opt to let them stay at home.
I remember that I once had a conversation with a SpEd professor from one of the universities in Cebu. She has been lobbying for a teaching environment where both normal and special children could mingle without barriers. However, this has been looked down upon because of several factors.
As for me, I do not think a mental or physical disability is a hindrance to learning. I have seen countless stories of people who could not see, hear or act normally but could think like an ordinary human. Others even have thinking capacities that are beyond what normal is. They just need a teacher who could be patient enough in handling both kinds of students.
In this modern time where equality is the banner raised by many, creativity is the key to an educator who wants to balance out learning to his/her students. I am sure there are many ways to allow special students to be on tract.
Likewise, gone is the time where persons with disabilities are frowned upon by society. They too, have the capacity to air out how they feel or work for a living. That is why I am very happy that we are celebrating Persons with Disability month. It is an indicator that we are giving them a voice, even if it just for a month. It has been a time of reassessing their needs and reflecting on what we can do to improve their lives despite their disabilities. Also, it is appreciating life in a nutshell.
As the PWD month comes to a close, I hope that all the feel-good effects is not just up to this moment. We all share the same society that we live in. Moreover, we share the province that we call our home. At the end of the day, honoring PWDs is not just about the activities that we organize for them but it all comes down to respect. When we do not respect one another regardless of physical or mental state, then everything will go wrong. Respect is ultimate to equality - this is the most basic lesson every teacher should teach to a student.
The challenge today for teachers is how to maintain a cordial relationship with their students while giving out a balanced learning environment that is conducive for all.