By Alicia G. Agbayani
Two years ago, the National Economic and Development Authority published the Philippine Development Plan, 2017-2022, detailing the country’s aspirations for the next five years. The plan envisions the Philippines becoming an upper-middle income country by 2022, based on more inclusive economic growth that will reduce inequalities and poverty, particularly in rural areas. Human capital development is a key element in this strategy.
In other words, the success of this development plan depends on the ability of our teachers—particularly public school teachers—to provide cutting-edge education to students. However, it is the government’s responsibility to equip teachers with the tools they need for them to be effective in the 21st century classroom. Here’s a challenging question: What does it mean to be a 21st century teacher?
In an article that appeared on teachhub.com,
education writer Janelle Cox
said a 21st century educator must be a master of technology in the classroom to
help students learn better and faster. Cox added: “A 21st century teacher
is able to adapt to whatever comes his or her way. Teaching is a career that
has pretty much stayed the same over the past few decades. The tools have
changed over the years [Smartboards have replaced blackboards, tablets have
replaced
textbooks] but the practice has not. The 21st century teacher is able to adapt
based on the needs of students. He or she must be able to adapt to new
technology, but can still use his or her imagination to teach in creative
ways.”
There’s a news report quoting officials of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines that an estimated 1.2 million students who will graduate from college and finish vocation courses will find it difficult to land jobs because of a growing mismatch between their training and the skills required by most employers. This is one issue that 21st century educators can help solve. They can do this by being aware of the ever-changing trends in technology and by being in tune with what the future may bring to education. As Cox said, “A good 21st century teacher is aware of the career opportunities for students in the coming years, and always advocating toward forward thinking and to ensure that no student will be left behind.”
As it is, public school teachers have this heavy burden of helping ensure that the focus in education is to prepare today’s children for the future, especially where they will live and where they will work. In short, our teachers must help ensure that our children will all become productive citizens in the future.
The author is Teacher 3 at Rebecca National High School in Gonzaga, Cagayan.