Fewer teachers, bigger problems

I was caught aback that the new school year has already started. Contrary to our attempts to "shift" the calendar to align ourselves with global standards, it just didn't work out for a tropical country like ours. On the internet, we are seeing students being brought to school by their parents, along with the perennial anxiety-inducing photos of them being left behind. Sure, it looks fun and nostalgic, but we are actually missing a bigger problem that the education sector is facing: there are more students and fewer teachers.

The FREEMAN’s Jonnavie Villa, in her special report, brilliantly documented the real numbers of teachers who are fleeing the country for better opportunities. While it may seem impossible, I do know some who were my former student-teachers and are now in the United States of America. They continue to send updates about how their teaching conditions have improved, albeit the level of intellect and respect being rather different from the Philippines. Their lives seem to be a bit happier now that they can send money to their families back home --money that is being invested in their future through new houses and more.

The Department of Education is falling victim to the bureaucracy that this government brings. Vacant posts cannot be easily filled because of the ton of paperwork that one has to accomplish. It also takes time to deliberate who gets in. For some, the backer system makes it easier --or so they say. For me, these are all hearsay unless truly proven. While we commend the department's efforts in ensuring that no student should be left behind, they are also leaving behind a very important part of the system and they are no less than the educators.

Legislators are working twice as hard to bring all these issues to light by making sure that teachers get what they deserve: better pay, improved conditions, and more benefits. However, as the new administration kicks in, it seems like we are going back to square one. We can only hope that the process itself can be fast-tracked, but even that remains something to be hoped for. I doubt if it will ever happen in the three years given to them.

As students return to school, we wish that our national government pays attention to this very pressing issue. We cannot deny that the backbone of our society is the education sector itself. Our performance in the global arena is dependent on how children are being taught today. We cannot just say that teaching is a noble profession, as if nobility alone can feed a family. Educators need real motivations beyond their passion and craft to shape the next generation. The reality of life is that it is also a livelihood, and it cannot be fulfilling if they do not get what they rightfully deserve. The teachers’ exodus is a clear-cut message to our administration. Something must be done to keep them. It has to be done fast or else, we continue to suffer the brunt of wrong actions.