Reflections on Teachers and Teaching

Last January 25 was marked the beginning of the “Know Your School Day” celebration for school year 06-07. The teachers, as well as the UP staff, have been relaxing in the faculty room while some of the selected students who were assigned to handle a particular subject were busy preparing for their classes. Of so many pupils who applied, I was chosen as one.

Two days before it started, January 23, students were asked to sign up an application form and were interviewed by the teacher or personnel of the subject/position they want to apply. Each of the applicants was allowed to handle two subjects. However, for those who applied for non-teaching were only permitted to handle the specific position.

I have also experienced being a teacher. I applied for two subjects, which were Science A, and Science C. Before I finalized the subjects I was about to apply, I really had a hard time deciding whether to make the claim in those subjects or not. But in the end, I still prefer to choose Science. I’m really a Science lover.

At exactly four o’clock in the afternoon, I submitted the application form. I have waited for so long. I was somehow bored because the interview took so long. I was even the second to the last interviewee. I did not regret because after all I was still chosen as the student teacher in both subjects.

The following day, Madame Gallo gave and explained to me the lesson plans she has prepared. When I arrived home, I immediately studied the chapter so that I can really be well prepared for tomorrow’s discussion. I even stayed late up night just to study the lesson and to accomplish my assignments.

Day came, the selected students were already set to teach each subjects. In the afternoon, it was time for me to render my lecture in Sci-C. In fact, we were two. My partner was Windel Binolirao. But I does the most talking because maybe she was shy or does not really wanted to teach because Windel was just forced to apply in this subject. Windel applied only because of peer-pressure. Actually I was the one who compelled her to apply Sci-C.

It was somehow tiring and fun. Tiring and irritating because some of my classmates were busy talking while I’m discussing. Others were listening attentively to my discussion. That’s why I pity them because they were distracted by the chatter of the noisy ones. Fun and enjoyable because I was given the chance to take the place of being a teacher. In fact, I really liked to be a teacher. When I was small, I would often play with my friends and sisters teacher-teacher. I always act as the teacher in front of them. Now going back to the topic, I can say that it was successful and a cool experience in Sci-C.

The next day, it was time to teach Sci-A. My partner was Adelpha Albino. I was not really able to discuss the lessons because Adelpha does most of the talking. I was just like the secretary writing all what she was saying. Anyway, while she was teaching I was also able to catch up and listen to what she was discussing. I was even thankful because I wasn’t able to study the topic since it was too long and I lacked time.

This celebration was like an oral recitation. Through this, I even gained more confidence in facing people. This was a big help in developing my self-esteem. Maybe I’ll still apply for a teacher or an administrator next year.

Another lesson that I have learned is that being a teacher is not that easy. Staying late up night just to prepare lesson plans, making visual aids for students, and so much more were some of a teacher’s work. We did not realize how big is the sacrifice of a teacher just to mold us into responsible and productive citizens of this country. We even complain assignments and projects (just like the blog project). However, the teachers are doing this because it is part of their teaching and they are preparing us to face the true assignments, projects and challenges of life.

I have come to realize all these things because of the celebration. Because I experienced being a little teacher.