Here's my advice to young teachers.
Overview: The "Teaching Aphorisms" is an excerpt from a comprehensive paper I've been developing since 2017. This paper was initially presented as part of participatory research at the 1st Research Colloquium and Poster Competition for Studies on Arts, Social Sciences, Education, Technology, and Science, held on March 2, 2017, at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Calabanga. The study aims to explore the teaching profession and the life of a teacher, drawing on insights from students and teachers across various age groups.
Data Collection Methods:
Student Feedback: I asked students to describe the qualities of their ideal/idol teachers, gathering diverse perspectives on effective teaching traits.
Classroom Documentation: I documented classroom activities to archive instructional practices, providing a practical basis for the study.
Meeting the Mentor Event: I organized "Meeting the Mentor," an event that invited:
Seasoned/retired teachers
Mid-career teachers
Newly hired teachers
These mentors shared their teaching experiences, offering a broad spectrum of insights into the profession. The stories and reflections collected from this event were integral to forming the teaching aphorisms.
Findings: The insights, reflections, and realizations from the participatory research were synthesized into teaching aphorisms. These aphorisms encapsulate the collective wisdom and experiences of the participants and provide valuable guidance for aspiring and current educators.
Dissemination: The teaching aphorisms have been presented at various schools where I was invited to speak. These schools include:
Sabang National High School
Severo National High School
Ratay Elementary School
Jose de Villa National High School
By sharing these aphorisms, I aim to inspire and motivate future teachers, helping them understand the multifaceted nature of the teaching profession and encouraging them to pursue their vocation with passion and dedication.
The heart of a teacher is both embracing and liberating. It is vast enough to include even the seemingly unlovable. A teacher's heart is inclusive and non-discriminatory, grounded in the belief that all students can learn. Students and teachers are partners in ensuring that learning occurs within the classroom. Therefore, a teacher should strive to maximize the participation of all students and never underestimate their potential. A teacher should never give up on any student, even in challenging circumstances.
Unlearning is as important as learning. A teacher has to unlearn unnecessary things so that he or she can learn more important things.
Be firm yet gentle. Strive to balance both qualities. A teacher must be firm to establish discipline in the classroom, but also gentle in interactions with students. Remember, students are not machines; they are humans with emotions and feelings.
Make sure that the students are safe in side your classroom and that they enjoy while learning.
A teacher should always be ready to learn more, after all learning is a life-long process.
The best teachers are born in worse section.
Teachers are dream weavers.
Teachers are enablers of students' dreams, acting as some of the best talent scouts. We have the power to shape or shatter these dreams. Strive to be the weaver of your students' aspirations, helping them achieve their fullest potential.