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4 I The Best Online Education System in the world
THE REALITY OF BEING A TEACHER
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980 University of the Philippines Manila
Political Science
A teacher’s job is very interesting but at the sane time it is also very difficult. We all know that a teacher’s role
is to pass on knowledge, to develop skills and develop wisdom, passion and commitment in students. Teaching
is a very noble profession that entails a lot of sacrifices but at the same time it is very fulfilling. A teacher’s
ultimate goal is to help students learn things so as to let them become upright and productive citizens later on.
For this thing to happen, a teacher should be able to transfer information in an effective manner. To be
effective, a teacher should be conversant and passionate about the subject. It is not enough to get the message
across for the sole reason that a teacher’s demeanor and compassion do count in generating a positive
response from the students.
Let us delve into the realms of teaching. To be a teacher is not an easy task because you hold a lot of
responsibilities in your hands and among them is the responsibility to mold minds. Being a teacher requires a
lot of patience, understanding and compassion (one cannot do without the other). Thus, these traits wi ll help
will enable the teacher to reach out to the student quickly. Then trust develops and respect becomes apparent.
The student becomes more comfortable and is now eager to learn.
The task of teaching then goes beyond the transfer of information. Now the teacher is vent on teaching as a
mission to improve the life of a student. The whole point of teaching is to make the students grow. Providing
information is essential. However, the duty doesn’t end in reaching the education’s inner sanctum which is the
classroom alone. Although a good teacher is a committed professional, good teachers are able to do more than
just work with students after school. It is also clear then that a committed teacher is someone who extends
extra time after school with students or works to address the individual needs of students.
For a teacher, real teaching begins when the student uses what he learns in school in real life. To use this
knowledge for good and for self-improvement is the greatest reward that a teacher can have. Such a
professional is able to learn with the students and so he or she can become a better teacher. What the children
learn in the classroom will eventually affect his/her attitudes, outlook in life, views, decisions and actions. The
teacher’s choice of words and language selections are critical to the self-esteem, the academic success, and the
healthy mental and emotional development of your students. By selecting words and phrases intentionally; by
altering your present language; by adding to or talking away from your common utterances; you can empower
your students and enhance their learning. The knowledge they acquire in the classroom is critical in their
decision-making process later on.
Most of all, the guidance of a teacher will give the students confidence in making decisions for themselves.
Learning then is no longer limited and contained in the four corners of their classroom but it becomes a
continuous life-long experience.
Questions for discussions:
1. What are the rewards of being a teacher?
2. What are the virtues that a teacher possesses?
3. Can teaching be considered as one of the most rewarding profession?
4. Do you consider teaching an arduous task?
5. Is being a teacher a vocation or a calling?