IT IS mandated by the Constitution that the state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
Two weeks ago I was given an opportunity to be a resource person for a group of teachers coming from a north Negros LGU. They were in Silay to know more about the “Paris of Negros”, the colonial education “convent style” based on “katon”, the role of Thomasites, and the Gabaldon buildings that are still existing as school buildings in Silay.
During lunch break in a shoreline restaurant in Balaring, one teacher approached me for a personal conversation. I want to call her Teacher M. “I am in service for 30 years as a secondary school teacher. Teaching is really my vocation. My parents wanted me to be a pharmacist because in our place we have a drug store.”
Teacher M continued, “I received three certificate of recognition as outstanding classroom teacher from two different principals. I am teaching communication arts (language) and I see to it that my students will finish the school-year with me as good readers with good comprehension on the subject matter taken.”
“Now I must admit that I am overtaken by younger teachers who are experts in handling computers... in the preparation of the lesson plan, computation of grades and in the preparations of reports. I know how to type but not so familiar with computer. I still depend on my accuracy with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.”
“My husband bought a computer and printer for me to be used at home so that I can catch up with the increasing classroom requirements. At the start, I was slow but I am a fast learner. Twenty years ago, we (teachers) maximized our teacher-students contact. We had enough time for our lesson and we could even manage to do supervised study during vacant periods.”
I am a fair teacher and I always give good grades to students with good performance in oral and written tests, project completion, co-curricular activities, and attendance in my class. Those who do not perform well in my class I give them low grades. Those who do not attend, I call their attention and inform their parents several times.”
“I have all the documents to support my stand whenever I give low grades or fail my students. Last year, I failed one student from the higher section because of his absences... later, not even reporting to my class. I tried to reach out to him so that he can make up for his losses. No effect. I informed the parents and they told me that their son is not going to school anymore.”
“What happened were all documented. I made a long explanation to convince my department head and principal. So, I did not have one hundred percent passing in my class. I was surprised that some teachers even in lower sections have one hundred percent passing. I know that some of their students attended only few days in one school-year.”
“During the Recognition Day, those teachers with no failure were given certificate of recognition. Some students were just laughing because they could easily pass without effort. This could be unfair to other students who honestly performed in order to pass.”
That was the allegation of Teacher M. I believe her. We hope and pray that our DepEd officials will look into this if we want to have quality students. We want to have teachers who are professionals, dedicated, and have commitment. We want more teachers like Teacher M.