Search for top teachers launched

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

NOW on its 28th years, the Metrobank Foundation once again launched the national search for outstanding teachers.

With the intention to show gratitude to the teachers, the foundation started the nomination for this year’s search that coincided with a forum of public school teachers and principals in Central Visayas in a hotel in Cebu City last Thursday.

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During the gathering, the foundation explained to the participants the process and qualifications for one to become part of the search.

Supported by the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education, this year’s theme is “Raising Educational Excellence.”

The theme hopes to inspire teachers and educators to aspire for excellence and boost the quality of education in the country, said Irene Labitad, senior program manager of Metrobank Foundation.

Present during the forum were two of the previous outstanding teacher, namely, Dr. Ramon S. del Fierro of the University of San Carlos and Dr. Felisa Etemadi of the University of the Philippines-Cebu.

Del Fierro was the recipient of the search in 2009, while Etemadi was awarded in 1991.

Etemadi encouraged the teachers to participate in search.

“As an outstanding teacher, it is the experience of a lifetime since it opened many windows for professional growth,” she said.

Del Fierro, for his part, said that it is rewarding that in his 31 years of teaching, such recognition was given to him.

Tifany Sia, account officer of the foundation hopes that more nominations would come from Cebu.

“We are certain that there are a lot of outstanding teachers out there waiting to be
recognized,” said Sia.

The search is open to all elementary, secondary, and higher education teachers, with a minimum teaching experience of 10 years.

Schools in the secondary and higher education are entitled to only one nominee each, which is to be nominated by the school head or principal.

For the elementary level, each school can nominate two, one for the primary and another for secondary.

The deadline for the nominations is on Feb. 6, while the awarding ceremony will be held on Sept. 5.