AN OPEN LETTER TO UNMOTIVATED TEACHER

MYRA LUZ C. DE LUNA

I know that being unmotivated can be a very frustrating experience. I’m so sad that you are thinking of quitting. I want to acknowledge what you are feeling, and I want you to know that it is completely normal. I’ve been there before, and I know how hard and frustrating it is. I almost think of quitting and going back to my previous job. But I didn’t because I happen to meet some friend who helped and guided me. I hope this these words of encouragement reached you today. First, I want you to know that you are not alone. I also experience the same way. Burnout and dissatisfaction were among the problems faced by many teachers. I’ve been on your situation before and I know the feeling. I encourage you to take a deep breath and rest. Rest but never surrender. You don’t have to give now. Teaching is a noble profession, though this may sound cliché, you have to know that until now teaching was and still is the noblest profession of all. Our work has a great impact on the lives of our learners. Expectations and pressure placed on our shoulders can be overwhelming at times but that is the way it is. The feeling of being unmotivated rooted from a deeper issue that needs to be tackled and handled right away. I don’t want you to quit your job. I don’t want you to leave the profession that we hold dear. I know that there is something that is triggering your job dissatisfaction. Why do you feel unmotivated? Are you bombarded with work? Do feel like you are not supported? Is it because of difficult working conditions? Or is it about personal challenged that affects your professional life? You have to discover what really makes you feel unmotivated before you decide to quit your job. You have to address the real issue so that you can rediscover your passion and enthusiasm for teaching. You can always seek help from your co-workers, heads or mentors. You have to work talk to someone who understand you without judgment. Asking help from someone who understands you can be very helpful as he can give and offer guidance that you needed. You may also consider joining a support group for teachers and interact with someone who has the experience. It is very important that you are looking after yourself. I know that our job is demanding and physically draining but we can’t deny the fact that we are neglecting our own needs just to be able to serve our learners. Make time for yourself. Go out and have fun. You can try new hobbies, or you can spend time with your loved ones. You can exercise, meet your friends or eat out. You have to prioritize your physical and mental health. It isn’t selfish to think of yourself first. How can you serve others if you are suffering. You need to heal to be able to be an effective and engaged teacher. You can also look for professional development opportunities that can rekindle your love for teaching. There are many conferences, seminars or training sessions that focus on new technologies and teaching methods, or you can always attend topics that interests you. Your continuous development as a person and as a teacher can be very rewarding. You can also continue your studies or enrolled in degrees that align your passion and career goals. You have to constantly challenge yourself. You need to expand your skills to regain your motivation and purpose. I hope that you are not frustrated with the education system itself because if you are, you have to remember that you have the power to make positive changes in your classroom. I know some of the things you need to do like exploring new teaching methods, integrating real-world experiences or create a positive classroom environment. You can’t change everything overnight but at least you can make a difference in your learners’ lives. I want to remind you that you are crucial in your leaners lives because you have and incredible impact on them. You are very important and valued citizen because you are shaping young minds and hearts. You have to remember that with every encouraging word you say, with every challenges your learners overcome because of your help and every lessons they learned from you, you are deeply valued and appreciated.

-oOoTHE AUTHOR IS TEACHER III AT PUTLOD-SAN JOSE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL