Teachers play a significant part in the lives of children, especially during their formative years. They are integral in molding students to become responsible citizens of the country.
They are at our side when we needed guidance, they discipline us when we go astray, they give moral support and encourage us to do more, and to learn more. They teach us not to give up when we are about to surrender.
There is no proper word to fully describe our caring and dedicated teachers, and there is no career more fulfilling than teaching. No wonder we have the best teachers in the world. Filipino teachers have become so good in their career that some of our educators are now recognized worldwide as the best in their field.
For example, Dr. Jesus Insilada, the principal of Caninguan National High School in Lambunao, Iloilo, who pioneered the culture-based approach in teaching was recently chosen as one of the top 10 finalists of the Global Teacher Prize from over 30,000 nominations from 173 countries.
Insilada explained that culture-based approach is all about incorporating indigenous and local forms of art such as dances, songs, epics, local games, and crafts to engage the students and help them learn better.
Insilada shared how his approach has changed his school: “It is amazing how culture-based teaching is really keeping the children to stay in school. We have decreased our dropout rate from 5 percent to 1 percent. We even would like to make it to zero percent this school year.”
The Global Teacher Prize is a $1- million award presented annually to an exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the teaching profession. The prize serves to underline the importance of educators and the fact that, throughout the world, their efforts deserve to be recognized and celebrated. It seeks to acknowledge the impacts of the very best teachers —not only on their students but also on the communities around them.
Sabrina Ongkiko, a 2016 Ten Outstanding Women of the Nation awardee, initially wanted to become a doctor so she studied biology at the Ateneo de Manila University. Today she teaches science and English to Grade 6 students at Culiat Elementary School in Quezon City.
When asked how she became a teacher, Ongkiko said it is a result of several factors that combined her passion for service, her discovery of her skills, and the need of the country for teachers.
Ongkiko has always been passionate to serve others. Growing up, she heard stories from her dad’s meaningful work for those who have less, including building bridges in hard-to-reach areas.
She can afford any vehicle model she wanted, but every afternoon when classes are dismissed, she is usually seen walking with her pupils from Culiat to Commonwealth Avenue, a good kilometer walk where she spends the time to give the kids additional pep talk. That’s how dedicated this Ateneo graduate is, who takes pride in seeing her former pupils succeed in life. For her, seeing her pupils succeed in life is the best fulfillment a teacher can get.
In 2014 a Filipino teacher who braves hours of daily travel in order to provide basic education to children of the Matigsalog tribe in a remote village in Davao City was chosen as one of the six awardees of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
The organizers said Randy Halasan, 31, was recognized for his “purposeful dedication in nurturing both his Matigsalog students and their community to transform their lives through quality education and sustainable livelihoods, in ways that respect their uniqueness and preserve their integrity as indigenous peoples in a modernizing Philippines.”
These are just a few of the country’s outstanding educators who represent the millions of Filipino teachers who never get tired making lesson plans and improving the lives of millions of children. They are the teachers who have made a significant difference in their students’ lives, and they deserve all the honor and recognition being showered them.
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The author is Teacher 3 in Ubong Elementary School in Solana, Cagayan.
1 comment
This is a pretty great post. I’ve been thinking of starting a blog on this subject myself. Any tips or anything you would recommend me to avoid?