Few months before the 25th anniversary for batch 1990, my husband met his high school Filipino teacher in an academic conference of school heads. Delighted to see his favorite teacher who seems to have maintained the same vigor and dedication 25 years back, he considers him a very important person, a public high school retiree who opted to continue his teaching career in a private institution.
A favorite teacher is one of the few significant people that is hard to forget. He is much loved among professionals who have experienced from him such profound care and concern. For teachers, they can remember students who are in the opposites-those belonging to the top or the bottom, in most cases, not in between. And for students also, they remember those who have irrefutably nurtured them.
Compounded with myriad duties and responsibilities, teachers continue to nurture minds and hearts. And such impact from a genuine care is long lasting as it creates ripples across generation.
I have had struggles as a teacher. The very fact that I deal the whole weekdays with not only one but 35 to 50 young minds who are thirsty for knowledge and are full of idealism. As others say, this is a profession that seems unforgiving as it is generally being perceived to be spotless.
I confess that there are times when I feel that topics for discussion are repetitive and tedious that I find sometimes unconcealed. But in the course of discussion, bright ideas come out from my students. Their ideas are borne out from their unique and rich experiences which made me reignited.
I remember several occasions when I was in the province when people started to know my profession, they would right away accord me with favorable regard. In rural areas, aside from the priests, teachers are highly regarded. In community organizations and activities, teachers are expected to be always in the forefront or mainstay. As if any sensible activity would never be complete without the teachers.
However, when there are loopholes or misgivings in the educational system, teachers are not free from blames. Though there are several interplaying factors, but they are oftentimes the easy target of condemnation.
Another challenge is keeping up with the various ways that our young are very much interested in or that would appeal to them most. My generation and the generation ahead of me would probably be keeping abreast with what's in for the present generation. Not keeping with the latest would definitely create a wide gap. This generation is bombarded with technological innovations. So for a teacher inconsiderate of the need of the present generation, is bound to fail.
But even with the meager salaries, teachers continue to provide inspiration for the young. Even they are faced with numerous challenges, internal and external– confronted with problems due to unmet personal needs and his immediate family, as well as largely due to changing academic policies and guidelines that would compromise his very performance.
Indeed the Herculean task of molding others entails a sense of stability on the part of the teachers. Stability in various facets be it physical, mental, social and emotional.
I know that just like my husband's favorite teacher, there are other teachers whose works and legacy have impacted a lot of people. They are the molders of the future leaders in our country. Behind the quest for national development, are the educated citizens.
Teachers ignite interest in every individual. Individual that would also inspire others. As a vocation, I dream that someday, teachers may hopefully be accorded with adequate support so we can truly claim an equitable place in the society.
As we celebrate World Teachers' Day, I truly hope that this occasion would remind us of our great responsibility of shaping the minds and touching the hearts. Happy Teachers' Day!