SENSE OF INTERDEPENDENCE AND INDEPENDENCE

There is no one way to solve a problem. It takes evaluation, interaction, questioning and reflection.

It’s so much better when teachers learn from other teachers, and when students learn from other students. This way, a sense of interdependence and independence is fostered.

No teacher should be dependent on one source for answers, just as no student should be dependent on one source for answers. Inside the classroom, teachers should encourage students to seek help from each other. Outside of the classroom setting, teachers should not hesitate to seek help from their colleagues.

There should be a demonstration of morale-boosting respect for the teaching staff, give them equal voice in decisions and allow them to attend outside professional development conferences of their own choosing. They should decide what conferences or classes would best benefit their teaching.

Higher-ups should keep an eye out for what teachers would be interested in. Professional development should be valued and regularly and advantageously used, as both the school and students will ultimately benefit from this.

When teachers return from such conferences, they are energized and eager to share their newfound educational knowledge with fellow teachers. There should also be a feeling of “family” in the school and the community, bonding, spreading culture and reconnecting while accomplishing work.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III at Concepcion Elementary School, Bacolor North Elementary School, Pampanga