Gearing up for a new school year

EVEN BEFORE the formal start of the school year, over 250 public school teachers out of 1,215 applicants—literacy advocates all—were busy at work, as selected participants in the 7th Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation-HSBC Gurong Kaakbay Pilipinas annual conference hosted by Ateneo de Manila University on campus on the last three days of May. The name “gurong kaakbay” is deliberately chosen because of the spirit of teamwork and togetherness that the program is meant to foster, with teachers standing “shoulder to shoulder” to improve teaching and learning in their schools. Even SAS and HSBC stand committed and shoulder to shoulder to support Kaakbay teachers.

This was the cream of the crop, demonstrating the most promise as reading advocates in their schools. Their applications were endorsed by their principals who had conducted a general evaluation of faculty performance; the applicants themselves had to answer detailed questions and write three brief essays on their reading and teaching lives.

Support for participants was much in evidence throughout the conference. Expenses for their housing and meals were all underwritten by HSBC. How could they not be prepared and reinvigorated for another year of teaching with the wide offering of eight plenary sessions and 40 workshop speakers, all reinforcing the conference theme “Nurturing Teachers as Readers and Writers”?

Writer Isagani Cruz, a former education undersecretary, set the appropriate tone for the conference by reviewing with the teachers all the items in the Code of Ethics for Professional Teachers, impressing on everyone the high expectations and serious responsibilities of the profession. Sports columnist and communications professor Sev Sarmenta regaled the participants with stories of typical classroom anecdotes—the teachers’ predictable angry response to the class, an instant quiz on a one-fourth sheet of paper, and how instinctively students look out the window when the teacher asks a probing question. Clinical psychologist Honey Carandang reminded everyone of the students’ complexities and needs. Reading professor Lina Diaz de Rivera paid tribute to teachers who had made a difference in her life. Poet RayVi Sunico demystified poetry through his poetry reading. The popular Jim Paredes inspired the star-struck teachers to be happier and more fulfilled, and issued the reminder that, yes, teaching is a performance. Singer and actor Audie Gemora also talked about the high school teacher’s comment that had empowered him and changed his life forever. Children’s book author Russell Molina reminded teachers of how the classroom is a rich source of story ideas. He, too, had a teacher who first told him in college that he could write, to his shock.

The teachers were asked in a writing workshop what they wished to tell their students on the first day of school, and this is what they wrote:

Edgar Paraguya (Epifanio de los Santos, Manila): To Justine, Keep surprising and delighting us with your achievement.

Debbie S. Oampo (Liberato Damian Elementary School, Pasig): I was once a student, too! School was so much fun. My first teacher was Miss Bibi, who was so kind, and she told us wonderful stories.

Jovita P. Angeles (Mabacan Elementary School, Calauan, Laguna): I will not only teach you the ABCs and 123s, but everything that I can give you, to enhance you.

Loisa P. Belando (Division of Manila, Gen. M. Hizon Elementary School), anticipated her “First Day High”: Apprehensions I have some, excitement I’ve got plenty, enthusiasm I’ve got more! The wide-eyed innocence of kindergarten pupils who will set foot in our school should serve as inspiration for us to give the best of ourselves.

Janine Guese (Amsic Elementary School, Angeles), described her “First Day Jitters”: I know I should feel excited but I can’t help but worry. I am worried that I wouldn’t be able to reach out to my students just as a real mother should. How will I make them feel so secure that they would allow me to become a part of their lives? These children are like chinaware in my hands, fragile and vulnerable.

The conference began with a review of the teacher’s oath and ended with the Gurong Kaakbay pledge. A timely and wonderful reminder of the power that lies in the hands of teachers. Excerpts from the pledge:

I believe that within me lies the power to shape the future.

With the magic of words and the beauty of images,

I can empower the young with knowledge and understanding.

I am open to change; resilient in times of conflict, and resourceful in the face of challenges.

I believe in the nobility of my profession.

I am a committed reading advocate…. I am proud to be a Filipino teacher.

How often we harp on the teacher’s responsibilities, yet how little this translates to a more realistic and commensurate compensation. Teaching is a profession, not just a labor of love. In one issue of Public Education Network, the newsletter that covers US public education, it was suggested that for lawmakers to better appreciate the working conditions of public school teachers, these officials should take over a class for a day.

Any takers?

Neni Sta. Romana Cruz ([email protected]) is chair of the National Book Development Board, a trustee of the Sa Aklat Sisikat Foundation and a member of the Eggie Apostol Foundation.