WITH the dawning of the new normal mode of education, teachers and school personnel are beset with mere challenges. While many young teachers are tech-savvy and knowledgeable in terms of modern applications and software being utilized, there is still a handful who still cope with the use of the computer and the internet. However, giving up on this problem is not the main characteristic of being a teacher. Just like in the past when they are beleaguered with the shortage problems, they resort to their creativity and resourcefulness.
As the entire Department of Education (DepEd) remains relentless in its goal to ensure that education continues amidst the pandemic, there were a lot of things that needed to be done. The DepEd Central Office, as the policy-making body of the Department, while cascading programs and projects for implementation, the field personnel particularly the school heads and teachers ultimately become the soldiers that are at the forefront of this battle, so to speak. With the emphasis given of the safety of learners and teachers, the learning modalities that shall be implemented as the school year begins on October 5 is that of distance learning that consists of modules, TV- and radio-based lessons, and online classes.
Not many people have experienced studying using an online platform. Even those who have experienced studying under a distance learning program may have to cope well given the new demands of the teaching and learning process. We have to note that the students we are talking about here are children and may not yet still be that independent to manage their schedules and workloads. This is why the role of the parents and guardians are indeed highlighted in this new normal set-up of education.
On the other hand, teachers will have to adjust well to the new challenges that come with the new mode of teaching. While most of the teachers are working from home, the fact that other issues need to be addressed cannot be dismissed. Teachers need gadgets and internet connectivity to stay connected to their students so they can properly monitor the progress of their students on a weekly basis. They have to be readily available to respond to all the queries and concerns of their students, and this means they have to available almost the entire day for the entire week.
Despite all these challenges, our teachers should be recognized for never giving up and always striving hard to ensure that all his or her students are doing well. Let us not forget how big is the impact of our teachers on how we develop as a person, and this we owe to all those who molded us when we were still in school. Teachers indeed are called the second parents of their students and, by this, they definitely can live up to this expectation. For this, we should all be grateful to all our teachers.
September 5 marks the start of the annual celebration of the National Teachers' Month or NTM. The NTM, which will run until October 5, is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 242 entitled Declaring the Period of September 5 to October 5 Every Year as National Teachers’ Month, as well as Republic Act No. 10743 entitled An Act Declaring the Fifth Day of October of Every Year as the National Teachers’ Day and its Implementing Rules and Regulations and the designation of the World Teachers’ Day every 5th of October by the United Nations Education and Cultural Organizations (Unesco).
Happy Teachers' Month to all our dedicated and hardworking teachers!