SEPTEMBER 5, Saturday marks the official start of the National Teachers’ Month Celebration which will end in time for the opening of classes on October 5, this year. With the theme: “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future,” the whole nation observes this special month for our educators for their significant contribution in molding the youth to become contributors to nation-building.
In the official Facebook Page of the NTM, it says, “as the whole nation transitions into the new normal, we find our teachers at the center of challenge and innovation. We thank you, our dear teachers, for your heroism and continuous dedication in nurturing minds and guiding all learners. You inspire us to do our part in creating a better future for all Filipinos”.
It can be recalled that in 2008, inspired by the celebration of World Teachers’ Day on October 5 of every year that was declared by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) in 1993, Br. Armin Luistro F.S.C., then President of De La Salle Philippines together with Metrobank Foundation Inc., President Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña spearheaded the Teachers Month Campaign (TMC), in recognition of Filipino teachers and educators and their contribution in shaping the country’s future leaders.
It was in 2011 and 2012 that served as banner years for the campaign as President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Presidential Proclamation 242, declaring “the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as National Teachers’ Month.” Thus, the campaign is re-launched as National Teachers’ Month (NTM), this time with an NTM Coordinating Council at the helm, co-chaired by former DepEd Secretary Luistro and former Cabinet Secretary Sobrepeña. The Council is composed of various government agencies, educational institutions, private companies and non-government organizations, all sharing the advocacy of appreciating teachers through various unique initiatives.
Initially, private groups have provided teachers with exciting things to do for them to enjoy the monthlong celebration and paraded perks and prizes for lucky teacher-winners. For one, Bato Balani Foundation Inc. (BBFI) and Diwa Learning Systems Inc. (Diwa), founding members of the National Teachers' Month Coordinating Council join the entire nation in celebrating National Teachers' Month from September 5 to October 5 with a video tribute found in the NTM FB Page.
In the celebration of the National Teachers’ Month 2020, Microsoft Education Ambassadors (MEA) will host a FREE back-to-back webinar session on Wakelet and Microsoft Forms! No Registration required. Simply click the link on the day of the webinar to join: http://msft.it/6004TSmK4. At the end of the session, Microsoft Education Ambassadors will show you how to earn a certified Microsoft Innovative Educator certificate.
Meanwhile, City Savings Bank is offering the teachers to avail of a Teacher's Salary Loan and get a chance to win a laptop or tablet through “City Savings Bank's Balik Eskwela Gadget Raffle Promo!” Visit the official page of NTM for the promo mechanics and raffle guidelines or click this link: https://tinyurl.com/y4lk5erl, https://www.citysavings.com.ph.
Moreover, Enchanted Kingdom is also celebrating our beloved teachers and mentors through Year 4 of their “My Enchanting Teacher Contest!” This school year may have taken on a digital platform but that won’t stop the company from giving back and rewarding them for their dedication and resilience. To support your teachers, you can join in 3 easy steps: Upload your most memorable PHOTO with your favorite teacher (it can be during a class trip/event or even one of your recent online class sessions) on the Comment Section of the post in FB. In the caption, tell why your teacher deserves to win and be treated to a magical day at EK.
Another interesting activity is from Globe Telecom through its FOREFRONT - The 2020 National Conference on Digital Learning. Teachers, school administrators, and educators are invited to participate by submitting your abstract papers. Witness the education industry come together to share ideas, demonstrate new teaching methodologies and more in this one day only online event. Be part of the summit by submitting your abstract papers here: bit.ly/3grIDU2
And lastly, as of this writing, teachers are invited to join the Photo Essay Contest of the Network of Outstanding Teachers and Educators, Inc. (Noted) portraying the role of teachers in building resilience and shaping the future of education and the teaching profession through pictures for a chance to win Php 5,000 and the privilege of having your work exhibited in the Noted website. Photo Essay Entries should be submitted to the link you can find in NTM official FB Page where you can also find the complete details on how to join.
For more updates, contests, freebies available and other good news, you can visit NTM’s official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NTMPhils/, the official Facebook Page of the National Teachers' Month is maintained by Metrobank Foundation, Inc. as the NTM Coordinating Council Secretariat.