THE EXODUS OF OUR BELOVED TEACHERS

CESARY Y. SACDALAN

I cannot help myself but feel jealous as I watch trending videos in my TikTok FYP (For You Page) of several public-school teachers finally taking the chance to quit from their tiring posts to pursue better careers and opportunities or look for greener pastures outside the Philippines. Their journeys and stories in choosing to leave the Department of Education (DepEd) resonate to majority of us educators. This exodus of public-school teachers is quite saddening, but what else could we do? We cannot blame them for abandoning the department as their reasons are both personal and systemic—and whatever these may be are all valid for educators whose only goal is to achieve their dreams and to provide good life for their families. We cannot contest the reality that many teachers in the Philippines are always looking for bigger and better opportunities. Majority would aim for better compensation, friendly and toxic-free working environment, more opportunities for professional growth, and supportive school heads.

There is nothing wrong in seeking new opportunities overseas as it can help teachers grow in their careers. Though this scenario may bring about positive and negative impacts in their lives and in our society, we cannot control such shifts and life decisions. They might find positions that offer more responsibilities to specialize in a particular area of education. Most of the teachers who posted on TikTok considered moving to other countries such as Japan, Thailand, and Taiwan since the salary being offered is weigh higher and the benefits are comparably better that those given by our government. With this, stronger financial stability can positively impact their personal lives and job satisfaction. Nevertheless, if a significant number of competent teachers abandon our educational system, it may result to “brain drain” or the loss of highly qualified people in the field. More so, frequent turnover of new assigned teachers can lead to disruptions in the learning continuity. There might even come a time when the unstoppable migration of teachers can cause teacher shortages. If the education system doesn't adequately value and support its educators, the negative cycle where teaching as a profession loses its appeal will continue. Our educational institutions and policymakers must do the necessary steps now in prioritizing our teachers.

-oOoThe author is English Teacher at Don Jesus Gonzales High School, a Public Secondary School in Pampanga.