Salute to our Teachers!
Jelyn Eden S. Herrera
Being an educator is not an easy job. Though they say that teaching is the noblest profession, still some teachers can’t help to complain at times whenever school related tasks are piling up. Considering our current situation, there are many factors that give them stress. Teachers work from home – attending virtual seminars, preparing lessons and instructional materials, and communicating with parents and learners. A kind of set up that is called ‘new normal’ in the educational system that they have to adapt and embrace.
Every year, teachers were given a little break by having a month-long celebration (September 5 to October 5) of the World Teachers’ Day. School-based activities were held to honor teachers and make them feel special. Students have their own way of expressing their gratitude to their so called “second parent”. The local government together with the Schools Division Office also prepare program for teachers. Recently, public school teachers received World Teachers Day Incentive Benefit in the amount of 1000 pesos, pursuant to DepEd Order No. 16 series 2019. Our public school teachers may not have big salary or may not receive many incentives but giving them appreciation for all the sacrifices they did will surely make their hearts melt.
Classes in public schools will start on October 5, 2020 at the same time it is the celebration of the World Teachers’ Day. The theme for this year is “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”.
According to Unesco.org, “The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly added to the challenges faced by already over-extended education systems throughout the world… we must work with teachers to protect the right to education and guide it into the unfolding landscape brought about by the pandemic.” It may not be a festive celebration this year but it will definitely be a meaningful one.
Many have realized the importance of the teacher in educating the learners especially in distance learning. Teachers should be valued now more than ever because the role of the teacher in response to this crisis is very critical in terms of providing remote learning to the learners. May God bless all the teachers in the world as they carry their duties and responsibilities in delivering quality education to young people.
The author is Teacher
--oOo-
III at Angeles City Senior High School