Classroom Essayist

Understanding the Teaching Profession

       When I met my very first advisory class, I felt glad that I finally got the fruit of my sacrifices and hardship. At last, I had a blue-collar job. I was no longer a farmer or a fisherman. I don't have to exchange laborious hands for a stingy wage. I thought of a good life ahead of me.

       However, after a few hours, my pupils showed their unpolished attitudes that disappointed me. I almost quit the job. Seeing them misbehave, bully each other and make noises and clutters, broke my heart. It also gave annoyance in my heart. My good impression to the pupils in private school was absolutely an opposite from the reality. I almost cried. The whole session, I was in rage. I, then, burst out. I reprimanded some of them. I compared them to insects—that are pests. I cursed, too.

        The next day, I became harsh. I applied some corporal punishment like asking them to squat and putting books on their hands. I also taught them outside the classroom every time they disrespect the value of it.

         All of them seemed useless and inefficient. They never changed their behavior. It did not worsen them, but it merely created a gap between us.

         The opportunity knocked. I was hired as a public school teacher before the school year ends. I was very glad that I would have a greener pasture and at the same time I could escape from hell-like classroom, where I first experienced formal teaching, without knowing that the pupils in a public school is exactly the same with the private school's pupils.

         I was culture-shocked when I handled Grade Six pupils. They are far from me when I was in the same grade. Their culture and behavior are modernized. They misbehave. They are naughty. They are talkative. The worst, they have no focus. Only few are interested to learn.

        Disappointed, I was, again.

        History repeated itself. I suffered from the same unpleasant experience. I self-assessed. I regarded myself flat-footed to handle class. I claimed that I was not an effective and efficient teacher. It came to a point when I thought of shifting profession or transferring a locality. I reckoned, teaching in a rural area is easier. I supposed, it will be a better option however, chance never permitted me.

        Instead, I accepted them. As I do my craft, I look for ways on how to manage their mischief, their behavior and their seriousness. All aspects of their individuality were carefully analysed. Why do they misbehave? Why can't they focus on their studies? Whys were answered by me--- alone. No book and no persona had told me the hows. Even my colleagues haven't helped me solve my problem. I just discovered the secret passageway to effective teaching.

        I just started to like them. I began knowing them—their differences and their intelligence. I understand them. I opened up some of my life's account till they accept me. Later, they regarded me as a second parent. I went with the flow. I gave them what they want.

        I used the art of teaching.

        Later, I am regarded as their father, since most of them are living in a broken family. They found a solace in me. They found me caring, loving and understanding. Thus, they showed me respect—which is the key to learning.

        Now, I have no regret. I already put in my mind that I will serve the youth till the sixty years of my life, because I love to teach and to inspire them. And, I will cherish every day of my teaching vocation.