HEALTH IS WEALTH: NO MANDATORY TASKS FOR OUR UNSUNG HEROES

PRINCESS MAY JEBULAN

Teaching is the noblest profession per se. But do our teachers get the rest they deserve?

The Department of Education (DepEd) issued Memorandum 291 s. 2008 allowed teachers to allot six hours for actual classroom teaching a day, with the remaining two hours to be spent on teaching-related activities. Thus, teachers are required to render a total of eight hours for the day. But does this suffice the needs of the rest of the teachers?

Teachers usually handle 6 sections, consisting of 40-50 learners. These numbers are not just numbers, they stand for learners crying, showing tantrums, complaining, running around, and skipping meals that even teachers buy food for them, there are too many to mention that are out of the teacher’s job description. Teachers are and will always go beyond the extra mile for Filipino learners.

Our teachers are the modern heroes, they drive the learner’s educational landscape regardless of adversaries.

But did the department make any help to give the teachers the rest they deserve?

Little by little, the administration hears the call of our teachers. Thus, issuing a memorandum that there will be No voluntary or mandatory tasks or activities assigned to teachers from June 1 to 30, 2024. 8. All other provisions stated in DO 022, s. 2023 not affected by these amendments shall remain effective.

This one step forward will make a big move and impact on moving forward. I appreciate the steps being taken by the department to help put our teachers at rest after the tedious tasks they need to accomplish to cater to the learner’s needs. A happy teacher creates a happy learner. The well-being of teachers is important not only to the teachers but to the learners as well, as it radiates to the school community.

-oOoThe author is Teacher I at Angeles City National Trade School