A Guiding Philosophy

Post date: Nov 9, 2017 7:14:59 AM

By: JONI MITZCHELLE R. PUNZALAN

BHNS SHS TVL Teacher

“Train up a child the way he should, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.

I was once a pupil, a student, and now, I am not just an educator but a teacher as well. A teacher is a molder of the hearts and minds of future workers, law makers, leaders, doctors, heroes, and almost everyone else of this generation and the future. Teachers are one of the most significant agents of fruitful change in any society. They are the ones projected to carry out the responsibilities of educational traditions to “instill patriotism and nationalism, respect for human rights, foster love for humanity, appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country, emphasize the rights and duties of citizenship, fortify the ethical and spiritual values, cultivate moral character and discipline, embolden critical and creative thinking, expand scientific and technological knowledge, and encourage vocational efficiency. However, because of this, there is no room for errors in teaching. Although at times these can’t be avoided but what’s important is we do something to correct them for we, as teachers, are role models of not only our students but everyone around us as well.

My grandpa, “Ada” only reached grade 3 and never finished schooling. However, that didn’t prevent him from reaching his goal to become a head electrician at US Naval Base in Olongapo City during his time. His dedication and love for his work and craft helped him be what he was. This inspired me to be better in what I already am, to be somebody someday. And that somebody is someone who has devoted her life in teaching her students not only in their academic lessons but the lessons in life as well.

I’ve learned from my college teacher the three kinds of teachers, a teacher by profession, a teacher by salary, and a teacher by heart. One should not be just one or two of those kinds, but all three. I was once a manager of one of the famous fast food chains in the county and also a call center agent. I left all of them and decided to go back to teaching where I think I can make a difference in someone’s life and not just make some business man richer everyday. I believe in what they say that teaching someone how to fish can feed him for a lifetime than giving them a fish to eat just to surpass a day of his life. As what Einstein said, “Example isn’t another way to teach, it is the only way to teach”. I teach people not just the Mathematics of life, or the history of the existence of human, but also the power of faith in the Lord who can do anything in order for them to not just survive but handle situations that come their way. I’ve learned that I should teach them how to think and not what to think.

As they say, experience is the best teacher. I share, not just the lessons that I’ve learned in my actuality, but my heart as well, to let them know that I’m not just her to work and earn but to be a friend, a mother, a caregiver, a mentor, an inspiration as well. However, to be able to help them in all aspect, I should also be a teacher by monetary, for me to be able at least help my poor students who can only afford to eat one or two basic meals a day, or give at least something for their projects and not just be able to provide for all my needs in teaching. A teacher can also be a philanthropist.

To ensure the effective and efficient transfer of knowledge, a teacher should also be by profession. Never get tired of improving oneself for the sake of educating. I must agree that we cannot give what we do not have. I believe that the teacher should not only be one or two steps ahead of his students, he should be miles ahead with regard to knowledge and experiences. The teacher should strive to learn more not only in his chosen field but he should also be a well-rounded educator. I attend trainings, seminars and pursue my goals of finishing not only my master’s degree but my doctor’s as well for me to have a place where I can have the power to give changes not only in our system but in our country as well. I should continue to improve myself to create a chain reaction in our society. I believe that great teachers produce great students, great students become great in whatever they choose to be, and great people produce a great, peaceful, progressive country. Or, one can be an asset and never a liability in where ever he or she is at.

All of these can only bear the right fruits if all of these are done in the guidance of the Lord. Nothing can go wrong. All will fall into place. Every work of the hand will prosper for nothing is impossible with the Lord. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It doesn’t matter how ambitious your visions are or your goals, as long as it is done with faith and love, nothing will falter. No good will ever go bad for it is the will of the Lord, for us to be kind and generous and loving and passionate. He has given us the hearts of a wise and victorious soldier that we will do everything hand in hand with the Lord. I may sound like a preacher, but I may be one. It is my duty also to share God’s word to attain the DepEd core value: Maka-Diyos.

The whole DepEd may not be perfect, that is why not just the educators but all of us should work and cooperate in order to make things work for the center of our everything: the future of our students. To my co-educators, we must ponder teaching to be a lifestyle, not a mere forty-hour-a-week job, because a teacher's goals for his students incorporate much more than spreading out-of-context facts to passive students. As professionals entrusted with the education of young minds, we must facilitate learning and grow academically, personally, and ethically. By providing a quality education to each individual in one's classroom, a teacher trains children with the gears necessary for realization of life.

The greatest “guru”, “master” is our Lord Jesus Christ. I idolize Him, His teachings and love for His children that He sacrificed Himself for all of us. I may not be as great as my Lord, but I know He teaches me how to be a teacher with a heart.