PASSION IN PANDEMIC

Claudette G. Galang

What does it mean to be a Teacher in the midst of a pandemic? As teachers gear with the “new normal” set-up in these trying times, this is the appropriate time to use our discomfort to forge a new paradigm. This is now the time for schools to ensure that teachers do not just translate what they do inside the classroom into different learning delivery modalities and issuer of educational content but as a catalyst of change, transmitter of knowledge and master curator of learning. This should awaken our passion and desire that can hopefully snowball into concerted efforts to restore the teaching profession. By the same token, students need to build up a character of interdependence, discipline and responsibility.

These are few of the characteristics of Teachers that they need to possess in order to rekindle their passion despite the situation.

•Futuristic. They are futuristic. They look forward to the future and know that this too shall pass and we shall overcome. They are aware on how complex and challenging is teaching today, with the global health crisis, advancement of technology, fast changing innovations, new trends in teaching and learning process and dealing with the digital natives- the 21st century learners.

•Innovator. They do not only embrace meaningful change, but they create it. Innovation is about creating better things that will greatly impact to the development of the learners holistically. Lessons learned from the sudden disappearance of the traditional classroom stage and the isolation of each learner in his or her own space should drive teachers to unlearn old habits and acquire new skills of online learning engagement.

•Learner. The only thing that is constant is change. As the earth continuously rotates, everything moves forward. Teachers especially in this time are adaptive to change. They recognize change is essential. Because if they stand still, they will ultimately left behind. It doesn’t mean that they need to change everything, but to continuously evaluate themselves as a teacher and the impact to the students’ improvement. In general, teachers are lifelong learners.

•Leader. Every teacher is a leader inside and outside the classroom, wherever learning takes place. As a leader, his job is not only to empower the people—the learners, but also to influence them positively by giving them the opportunities to lead from where they are. Whether they are in school or at their own homes.

•Flexible. They are flexible in adapting to new ways on how students learn in their own pace and become self-directed learners. They are able to develop and enhance learner competencies that will allow them to cope with their future professional development. They facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.

•Reflective. As John Dewey said, “We do not learn from experiences, we learn from reflecting on experiences”. Teachers constantly ponder and evaluate lessons, strategies, ideas and insights. So, in this new normal, let us always uphold the right to high-quality education by providing multiple pathways to learning that can accommodate every student.

And the most important characteristic that needs to possess by Teachers is to have PASSION and LOVE for teaching in the time of pandemic. As Abraham Lincoln once said “Love the job you do and you will never have to work a day”. The best way to impact the lives of students is to inspire them.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher II at Sto. Rosario National High School