Teaching is a Vocation
Teaching is considered and believed to be the “noblest vocation”. For most educators, it Is a vocation they have to fulfill because they are given the tallest order of transforming the lives of learners. Teachers are given a great task to fulfill. One of the greatest mandates of a teacher is to produce excellent students who are not only academically inclined but also holistically developed as well. These includes all aspects of their lives, including spiritual, values, psychological, social aspects, not just the cognitive aspects.
As educators, they do not only mold the minds of the young but also their character. In fact, they are considered as the second parents of students when they are in school. Since time immemorial, until this day, teachers have been proven to have a significant impact with their students. Their learners even believe or do whatever their say or ask them to do, most especially in the elementary levels. Where in, “Batas ang salita ng teacher”. With such clout in hand, teachers must not be laxed with what they already know. They must continue equip themselves with knowledge, information and enhancement of skills in order to deliver the best and appropriate instruction to all their learners. Short course may be even attended by these mentors to keep abreast with the innovative strategies and latest trends in handling and rearing the children who serve as hope of this country in the future. These educators could also attend post graduate studies, perform some research, plus do professional readings regularly so as to update themselves. In addition to these important tasks, teachers must also be exemplars of values and virtues which their learners and others could emulate. As known to many, the community have higher expectations for teachers. They view them as role models that their children could imitate and idolize.
Teachers are heroes for the tasks they accomplish. Remember, they produce professionals who serve the country. They spend most of their lives in producing engineers, doctors, teachers and the rest. Without teachers no one will transmit knowledge to the next generations and mold the young. Other professions will not exist without teachers who will teach them. Hence, appropriate appreciation and reverence must be given to all mentors since, their job is one of the noblest profession for all.
--oOo— The author is Master Teacher I at St. Vincent of Quebiawan Integrated School