짐잉글리쉬

MY EXPERIENCE AS A FILIPINO TEACHER
 

 Filipinos before were not able to finish their studies and get their diplomas because of the Japanese, Spanish and American wars. They were just taught on how to read and write but at that time you can finally see how Filipinos are eager to learn and study.
 

  As a Filipino teacher, I’ve experience so many things about different life, about how important is education for the Filipino families. My  father was only able to study up to 3rd grade of elementary, while my mother in her 3rd year in High School because of poverty. But my parents believe that the only wealth that they can give us is the education that’s why they worked hard and they were able to support our studies.
 

As soon as I graduated, I applied in a private school somewhere in Manila and taught there for 2 years. I was able to experience teaching in a private school where in the facilities are so good to accommodate maximum of 20 students per room. I thought maximum of 20 students per room is too much but then it changed my mind when I’ve decided to teach in a public or government school.
 

  I started teaching in a public school in 2012. And I can say that teaching in a public school is really different from teaching in a private school. It made me realize how important the education is.

  During my first few weeks, I found out that the minimum numbers of children per class was 50. The classes were crowded and the facilities, books, equipment are not that convenient to use. Children go to school even if they just woke up and did not take a shower. Students usually don’t eat breakfast when they go to school because of lack of food and they need to do some house chores before going to school.
 

  Despite of this poverty, children were still encouraged to attend schools for their future and they really study hard even if they don’t have any single money in their pocket.  Filipino children are very determined to finish their studies. With the life that they have and the experiences that they had, they become more independent and matured enough to face the reality of life and use those to overcome struggles and strive hard to have a better life in the future.
 

  I enjoy teaching students in public as much as I enjoyed teaching students in private. But I admit that I love the students in the public schools more because I’ve also been to those situations before. I could relate myself whenever they tell problems and whenever they share their experiences.
 

  You have to know the differences of each of the students. You have to understand them and must have a very long patience to become a very good teacher. I encounter different students with different cases in life. I must be a teacher at the same time a mother to them and listen to their problems. In teaching, being an effective and efficient teacher is not enough, you also have to touch their heart and let them trust you that you could be their guardian at the same time.
 

  Being a teacher was my dream when I was 7, and still my dream to teach children and encourage them to finish their studies so they can help their families and have a better future. We must teach them on how to dream and achieve their goals and don’t let their status in life be a hindrance in pursuing their dreams and goals in life.