#JOYS OF TEACHING

ANGEL BRYAN ZAPANTA OCAMPO

Teaching is the most challenging yet the most rewarding profession. As posted on FB page of The Learning Station on February 24, 2016, “Teaching is consistently among the top three most stressful professions according to a respected academic who has studied well-being in 80 occupations. This is based upon the pressures put on teachers, heavy workload and lack of government support.”

Amazingly, even with all these pressing concerns, teachers still manage to see the silver lining in their vocation- the JOYS in teaching.

J-esus. Our Lord is our shining example in teaching. He used love as His language in teaching. He showed the world to love unconditionally. He taught from the heart not from the books. He preached the word of God. He sent the message of truth. His teachings focused on man’s spiritual transformation. His disciples called Him Rabbi, the greatest teacher.

O-thers. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) Students are the precious ‘others’ in our teaching job. They are entrusted to us by their biological parents. They are our children not by blood but born from our hearts. Our mission is to educate them well and develop them holistically. Like Jesus, let us be a shining example to them.

Y-ou. Teaching is not merely a profession. It is a calling from God. It is a Heaven’s call. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

It is no accident that You(we) became (a) teacher(s). God has chosen You(us) to work in His kingdom - that is to practice what we preach, walk the talk, lead by example and to teach with love.

S-ervice. Love others as you love yourself is the very essence of Jesus’ teachings. Loving others is a genuine service. We, teachers, are expected to do good works as we serve as the light of the world and salt of the earth so that men will glorify our Father in heaven.

If we serve humbly, serve with smile and serve with love that is teaching in service and service in teaching.

In these trying times, the world needs more of teachers like us. Teachers who still choose to find JOYS in teaching each day.

Live. Love. Choose JOYS.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher I at Sto. Rosario National High School, Minalin, Pampanga