No teacher left behind

IN ONE’S pursuit to become a good English communicator there is a need to have the right training to meet the highest possible qualifications apt for Philippine education and international standards. TESOL* (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) Philippines, Inc. is taking the action of addressing this specific concern through a convention.

Dubbed ‘Re-Designing TESOL in the Philippines”, the first National TESOL Convention set on October 11-12, 2012 at the Hotel Supreme Convention Plaza, Baguio City, aims to empower the Filipino Educators to become confident and competent in the use of the English language for communication and teaching.

In the invitation of TESOL* Philippines’ Marissa Enriquez, she said the convention is endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

“Our advocacy is NO TEACHER LEFT BEHIND. Join us in our advocacy. Join us at the convention. Together we can make it!,” Enriquez said.

By empowering the teachers it is expected that through the convention there will be a review and evaluation on the past and current practices in teaching the English language in the Philippines; identification of the challenges the Filipino educator faces as he/she teaches the ‘Global Student’ and the ‘NetGeneration’; and presentation of new ways of learning and teaching the English language-proposing the TESOL WAY to achieve maximum learning/teaching outcomes.

The convention also aims to build the new Filipino English Teacher’s image: a model for Asian Educators and a Global Leader in English Language Teaching to non-English speaking people/nations; fuel the new Filipino teacher with passion to stay in the World’s Noblest Profession, and to influence his/her students to go beyond their teachers’ accomplishments; and to equipped the new Filipino teacher with new skills, resources and actual relevant experiences to make him/her become confident and competent/confident to use the English language for communication; and competent to teach the English Language and use it as a medium of instruction.

The highlights of the activities will be a discussion on important topics on Advanced English Language Development for Teachers & Other Language Professionals’, “The TESOL Way” Of Teaching English

To Filipinos, “The New Filipino Teacher” – Teaching the Global Student, and Issues on the Philippine Education like the K12 program.

Joining the said convention which is open to all teachers of English, teachers who use English in teaching, and students who are Education or English majors are Dr. Angie Ternura-Pacleb and Shie Ang of Philippine International Communicators (PIC) 4F Baguio Center Mall. Registration and further information may also be done on the said address or by sending email at tesolphilippines@gmail.com.

When it comes to speaking and communicating in English, the Filipinos are still appreciated with this skill. However, there also reports saying that there is a need to address the problem on the declining number of those who can speak the language fluently and communicate it effectively. With the stiff competition going on in the global market there is a need to be competent and be properly trained in the language which is a big requirement for important jobs both for local and abroad. Be empowered by being part of the first National TESOL convention.

For comments and topic suggestions please email alahsungduan@gmail.com