IN VARIOUS talks I have with my students, I usually ask them, “who among you wants to be a teacher?” I would already be surprised if there would be one in the group who would say with conviction, “I want to be a teacher.”
Some of the students I ask would have doubts of becoming teachers because of several reasons: lack of parental support, they see the profession as very exhausting, or perhaps they have negative or even traumatic experiences of their teachers.
The Department of Education Memorandum No. 130, Series 2018, states that starting September 5 the whole country will celebrate the Teachers’ Month with October 5 being the World Teachers’ Day Celebration. For this year, the theme is, “Gurong Pilipino: Turo Mo, Kinabukasan Ko.” This celebration aims to give honor to all teachers who have tirelessly dedicated their lives in the service of forming the hearts and minds of our youth.
As a teacher myself, celebrating this month means a lot since the role we take in this profession is undeniably difficult, tiring, and stressful. But amidst the struggles of teachers both in the professional and personal areas, showing up each day for our students may be considered as our commitment not just to develop our citizens but to fight for the causes of our loved ones.
But considering the complexities of the profession, what can we do to encourage the youth to pursue teaching aside from the external motivators of a stable job?
Just recently, we hear the horrifying stories of teachers committing suicides because they cannot handle the pressure, especially as regards teaching in the public schools. We hear of teachers taking multiple tutorial part time jobs just to augment their income. We are aware of teachers teaching in the far flung and dangerous areas in our country just to make sure that the youth even in those areas get the quality education that they deserve. We candidly laugh about it, but there are teachers in the field who failed to have a chance to get married since they are too focused with their work thereby preventing them to make a commitment to be married to their partners.
We hear all these stories but have we ever made concrete actions to respond to these real concerns?
While some teachers appreciate an increase in the remuneration, there must be something more felt, more tangible, and more meaningful reforms that our lawmakers or even heads in various educational institutions and agencies should seriously think about to improve the welfare and wellness of our teachers.
More than the celebration, may this month be the statement of all teachers that as cornerstones of the educational system, we deserve better. With the crucial role we play in the society, we need systems that could provide us with better working conditions for us to deliver quality education in our classrooms.
I am not saying however, that you provide us everything in a silver platter. All teachers who enter this field are aware that this vocation comes with several hardships. The decision to serve comes with tremendous responsibilities, which we totally understand. But as the front-liners in the field, may we be provided with an environment where we could function well with utmost pride, excellence and love not just for us and our students, but also for this country.