CALIFORNIA DREAMING

The teacher
Benito ‘Jong’ Molintas

Reading the Filipino newspaper published in California reminded me of elections in the Philippines with all its danger and comedy. With the results of the May 14 election known and after winning candidates delivered their victory pieces, I believe only a few appreciated the worth of the teachers who did their job to ensure that the electoral process went on smoothly.

They are indeed heroes because of the sacrifices they have undergone especially against the goons of politicians who tried to steal ballot boxes. The goons toted guns but the teachers armed with their professional dignity stood up to them.

Their nobility in the communities is a testament that they are worthy to be called heroes. To my fellow educators, I personally salute your efforts and to serve our country and people. The last election has proven that you could be honorable men and women despite your low salary as budgeted by the politicians whom you protected their ballots during the elections.

It is a plea to officials that someday they will give their all-out support to education and to teachers. I say this because some consider learning especially in the countryside as one of their least priorities.

Yes, these types of officials were able to put up buildings, but the knowledge of some teachers remained stagnant due to factors like the following: insufficient reference materials, lack of training and exposure, selfishness of head teachers among others.

The problem of insufficient books is the biggest factor in the deterioration of education. A textbook is shared by two students that hinder the other to read ahead of the lesson.
Worst, some books are not updated or there is lack of materials to use for a particular subject.

Greediness of the echelons is a rampant practice of people who are in power.
If opportunities arise like seminars and activities outside the school where teachers can master a little bit of their field of specialty, the answer of the head teacher is “There are no finances for that.”

But if it is for the head’s seminar, it is a must and the per diems are readily given to her. I’m lucky I had good bosses like Pascual Sacgaca, now the a Department of Education Supervisor of Mountain Province and Marcelita Moises, the Principal of Sabangan National High School who were very open to their teachers when it came to training.

They focused on the growth of their teachers, students, and the school as a whole. I just don’t know how I can repay the goodness of these bosses – guys my bag of thanks though.
On the other hand, teachers who wanted to develop and mature as teachers have been hampered by their low salaries. How I wish too that students especially in the countryside of the Cordillera will experience the same thing as students experience in the US .

They are given a lot of opportunities for their physical and mental growth. They work working while studying and schools find jobs or give jobs and a lot of trainings to them. Teachers are not also hard up with their materials because of ready access to the internet.

Teaching in the Korea International School , books are primary resources of knowledge, but surfing the internet enriched my knowledge and made me abreast with more knowledge and techniques on teaching, more so that I am handling SAT subjects which we don’t have it in the Philippines .

SAT is a subject that prepares students for their examination in well-known universities in countries like the US and Canada .

Despite their handicaps, teachers in the Philippines can still have growth in teaching as long as there is cooperation and support from their peers and chiefs. In this case, they are motivated to do their best and impart knowledge or what they learned from their trainings. Exploring ideas from different levels and facets will surely enrich the thought of the learners. The educational system won’t deteriorate as a result.