Why Teach?

To our classmates who became classroom teachers: Marlo, Charito and others, now we understand your dedication and patience, required of the profession!  To our past high school teachers, we appreciate and salute you for being moulders of young minds.

Why teach?     By Ma. Elena Dugos Sun Star August 30, 2012

“THERE is absolutely no money in teaching. If you want to get rich don’t venture into teaching. You will only end up in vain. Teaching is sacrifice. If it doesn’t hit you emotionally on a level which makes you feel elated to be called “teacher” then you have a very different calling. To be a successful teacher, you have to be intrinsically motivated.”

These words were embedded in our hearts by our former college dean Edna Marizza C. Santos, now the Vice President of Holy Angel University. Her message still reverberates in my mind and the ethics which our teachers and our Alma Mater instilled in us remain to be my guiding principle as I perform and discharge my duties as a teacher. 

In our university days, we were made to understand what teaching is all about. We were made to be aware that the rewards of being a teacher don’t come in monetary form. Likewise, we were told about the downsides of the profession. But don’t other colleges and universities teach future teachers the same thing?

I don't understand why some teachers, who chose this profession, are so disgruntled and have such a gripe over our low pay. More upsetting are the significant few who grumble over almost everything about our work. I wonder what motivated these teachers to join such a challenging and low paid profession in the first place. Is it not the love of teaching and watching children learn that should be the motivating force behind being a teacher?

I would say that if the feeling of stress over teaching, parenting and other personal responsibilities are the problems in our schools then it's obvious that being "professional, trained teachers" gives us absolutely no advantage over parents wanting the very best for their children.

I would suggest that these teachers take a break or try something else in life to regain the positive spirit. This is not to imply that I do not have dissatisfaction over the teaching job. I am aware that teaching can sometimes seem like a thankless career. Many teachers feel demoralized and overworked and face criticisms and are bombarded with unrealistic expectations from demanding and insensitive parents. Many teachers feel their profession is not respected or that their classroom expertise is undervalued.

But if there are dark days in the life of teachers, there are incredible rays of sunshine, too. Some days are also be filled with rewards. Our treats happen every time a chronically disruptive student experiences a turnaround or a slower student grasps a difficult concept. These are moments that can continue to motivate a teacher through his career. Celebrate the positive sides of the teaching profession. Remember that teachers are important and valuable to our society. Find comfort in the awesome role you are playing in many people’s lives. Remember those you have touched over the years.

One of the most wonderful rewards of teaching is having former students come back to tell you how much you influenced them. Students will sometimes write letters or notes expressing how important you were or are to them. If you remember back in your school days, you can probably think of a couple of teachers who were truly influential. Strive to be that teacher for your students, and you will be well rewarded.

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on August 30, 2012.