THE WILL TO TEACH

Serving people without counting the cost is the most humbling experience a person would have. It is a gratifying experience when you get to realize that someone’s life became better because of what you have done. It is a fulfilling experience when somebody says thank you for bringing hope in the midst of their suffering. Truly, serving others with all your heart is a worthwhile endeavor in our lives.

For almost a year of being a Head Teacher of our school, I get to realize that becoming a leader is not about your position; it is about your action. People would always look for someone who would lead them to achieve their goals. As a leader, you are always expected to bring positive change into the lives of your fellows.

Here are some of the things that I realized in leading and serving others:

1. Lend a helping hand- As a leader you have to know your people. Find time to talk to them, for it gives you the opportunity to know them and their stories. Some of them may have shortcomings in life that need someone to talk to.

2. Encourage others- Ignite the flame of hope in the hearts of your fellow that whenever they are in the midst of suffering, you remind there is always a reason to go on. Be kind enough to encourage them that they can surpass life’s problems.

3. Always listen. In order to have a smooth relation with your people, you have to listen to them. Let them speak of their ideas, hopes and dreams in order for you to know them better. Let them talk, suggest and express their opinions on matters that concern the organization.

4. Do the right thing- As a leader you have to lead by example. You have to exhibit right attitude towards your work and other people. You want right and good people in your group, be a righteous leader first. Never indulge yourself to illegal actions.

5. Energize- As a leader, you should be a source of inspiration to your people. Always create new ideas that would help your people to become better. Do not be afraid to innovate in order to energize your people and the system that would bring good result to them.

6. Respect for others- Respecting others means respecting oneself. You have the power and authority over people, but that doesn’t mean that you own them. As a leader you have to treat your people with utmost respect.

7. Serve with a heart –Actions are not being made to impress people but rather express your love and concern through your service. People would always look forward to see leaders who would serve genuinely.

With these in mind, a leader will not go wrong in leading his people. As I take my journey in leading my first school assignment as a school head, I request you to pray for me to become a a true leader- a LEADER who would serve with a HEART.

— oOo—

I at Del Carmen National High School, Lubao, Pampanga The author is Head Teacher

FRANZ PHILIP G. TULABUT

As I think about the retirees, I always ask myself this question “How did they survive the many years in teaching?”

I cannot imagine how they have dealt with the thought of dealing and teaching the same subjects year in year out. I cannot picture them having the same routine from the beginning of the day until closing hours in the classroom. I cannot fathom too how they have survived taking care of more than 40 students in packed classrooms where some of them are hardheaded. Is there a magic behind this longevity? Or is there any potion that they have taken for them to successfully carry out the tasks entrusted to them for several years?

As I closely listen to some stories they have told me, I have come to realize what they have in common. I have recognized the reason behind their success stories in teaching. I have completely understood the fact why these seasoned teachers have almost spent most of their lives in teaching.

I have appreciated the driving factor that kept them motivated. It is their will, their determination to fulfill their mission of enlightening, developing and changing young hearts and minds for the better.

Concentrating on this undertaking, teachers can endure any trials that come their way as communicating significant learning to students is concerned.

Thinking about the journey the retiree-teachers have undergone, they may serve as a role model to us especially to the novice in the teaching profession. Their dedication and commitment to work has been tested over the years. The competence they possess and the values they wear amidst time are worthy of emulation. Their life seems to be an existence of a superhero. A child who may be considered a blank tablet at the start will be turned into a fully loaded capsule in the future, ready to become a tool to transform a society in order to achieve progress, this is what a teacher can do.

Now, the challenge to us who are still in the teaching profession is that how can we be like these retired teachers? The answer lies in our eagerness to give everything while still at work to help students achieve their dreams, thus attaining their goals. How can we survive the trials brought about by our journey? The answer is just simple my dear colleagues. It is our will, our determination to teach. — oOo—

The author is Teacher II at Pampanga High School