ALL teachers are professionals because they have passed the Philippine Board Exam for Teachers (PBET). Parents and students look at the teacher as somebody having special learning and possess a skill in imparting knowledge and wisdom. A teacher carries a certain social prestige in the community. Teachers are addressed as "Sir" and "Ma'am."
Teaching is a profession that deserves respect and trust. I know that because I taught at St. Joseph Academy for nine years (my Alma Mater), and I was a Communication Arts mentor at Dona Montserrat Lopez Memorial High School for eleven years. In 1994, I was invited by Mayor Edwin "Bigot" Velez to apply as Tourism Officer of Silay. The rest is history.
When your students respect you, they will be more inclined to open up to you. You become more aware of their needs. That would give you a better chance to be able to reach out to them. You will know later that they have varied concerns... a family problem, puppy love, financial needs, conflict with other teachers, being bullied by big guys, or a case of teenage pregnancy.
Clothes make a man or a woman. That also applies to teachers. Educators should dress professionally. Students, parents, fellow teachers, and others will relate to you according to how you carry yourself and the manner in which you dress. I see to it that I smell good and my breath is always fresh. No one wants to go near a teacher who smells like a dead rat.
While in front of my class, I always make eye contact and really listen to what they want me to hear. A teacher expects full attention from the class. He should set the example and give them the same respect. If the students are too noisy, I make a compromise. "Okay, you want to say something to your classmates without interruption. I am giving you fifteen minutes to talk. Be sure you speak English."
That is a good exercise in Communication Arts. Those who really have something to say keep on talking. Those who have nothing to say, stop talking but they continue to listen to others. I call that "incidental learning." It is not programmed but effective. The sense of discipline is developed without confrontation. I log that in my lesson plan and find time to explain it to my department head.
Good manners come from "magic words." I see to it that there is a courteous atmosphere in the classroom. All of us (starting from me) should learn to say, "Thank you," "You're welcome," and "Please." Mastering those words become a part of the skill that the students could use when they leave my class. They could use them in other classes, at home, and in the community.
The teacher should be an encourager. A teacher should be an instrument in building self-esteem and a sense of personal worth. I have always studied my art of questioning in my graded recitation. If the student cannot answer my question, I rephrase it. I allow him to make an example based on the given situation. He may agree or disagree with the given opinion. I always give positive feedback right away.
A teacher should be "cute" in his comments. He could praise publicly but reprimand privately. A praise could instill a positive self-image. Reprimanding him privately could preserve his dignity without the damaging effect of humiliation. After that dialog, the "relationship" should be normal.
I hate to say this, but I should say this. Don't engage in teachers' gossip. This is hard to avoid but it can be avoided. Just walk away. Gossip serves only to offend and hurt others.
When the student is reciting, he may be giving the irrelevant information. Do not interrupt. When he has finished talking, you may have questions or make up some "positive" comments to make clear his point. If he explains properly, make a humble appreciation that does not show favoritism.
Never leave the classroom unsupervised. If requested by your principal to come to his office, always tell the messenger to tell the principal that you are still having a class. If it is urgent, give seatwork and let the messenger supervise. A class that respects the teacher will not misbehave in front of the messenger.
A teacher is a confidant. When you have their full trust, they are willing to have a private talk with you about their biological needs, a family secret, pent-up emotion, problem in other subjects, and even their illnesses and sexual preferences.
Teaching is a sacred profession. If you are out of reality, do not continue to teach. You will do more harm than good. Your level of morality should be perfect or at least, above average. What you teach will become a part of students' life.
Teachers are God's alter ego. No teachers should strive to make their students think like the way they think. They have to lead them to the living Truth, to the Master himself, of whom alone they can learn anything. Teaching is not teaching unless you teach effectively. Enjoy the fun!
