Teacher Quality in the “New Normal”
Christian O. Escoto
The Department of Education (DepEd) carries on the persistency in aiming quality education despite the paradigm shifts we face, thus the new normal in education. Moreover, as the so-called “frontliners in the field of education”, teachers need weapons to face and conquer the challenges in teaching in these trying times. This calls for teachers to develop existent positive qualities and acquire necessary ones. Here are a few of these qualities:
A teacher in the “new normal” needs to be techie or computer savvy, at least. Fortunately, the latest curriculum implemented in the previous school years have resorted to digitization of teachers and applying their IT-skills in teaching. This became a stepping stone for educators as more resorted to using online teaching applications and platforms.
As for qualities seemingly innate to teachers, resourcefulness is second on the list. From the years of teacher education, educators learned how to make ends meet and make ways when the going gets tough. Teaching with new mediums and materials such as printed modules, online classes and virtual conferences need a teacher’s creativeness and resourcefulness. This initiates needs-based approach and problem solving for hindrances in learning, which are both necessary for learning to occur despite the absence of face-to-face set-up.
Having structured and efficient communication skills comes next to the list. Anyone can participate in an exchange of message but not all can do so in getting learning across, specifically in distant teaching. A teacher with dynamic communication skills can get his learning goals met and students are put on the right track. This can also radiate his enthusiasm to teach in an online class that lacks teacherstudent emotional connection.
At the end of the day, teachers do their best and their quality of resiliency in these trying times is what matters the most. Their ability to balance life skills and teaching skills make education remain relentless. Teachers are the backbone of reaching quality education regardless of the situation, “new normal” or not. They are modern heroes and their attributes trounce the possibility of shattering education amidst the global pandemic.
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The author is Teacher II at Dolores National High School