UNESCO Competition Finalist, Ms. Elaine Olivera, Strives for Excellence

Written by Maria Althea Tirzah R. Ferrer
Layout by Christine Raine V. Dela Cruz
Posted on August 1, 2021 | 11:10 AM

It is no secret that online learning has proven to be a challenge to students, but perhaps, we do not pay enough attention to the challenges of online teaching. Like their students, teachers also had a hard time dealing with this drastic change. The first year of distance learning had been quite a success in its own merits, but it could be better; this is why Ms. Elaine Olivera, a Science teacher in MCS, decided to participate in the UNESCO Teacher Workshop Series Competition, an event created to help STEM teachers overcome the hardships of online teaching.

Ms. Olivera has been a Science teacher at MCS for nearly five years. She has taught students from Grades 3 to 7 as well as students from the Night High School.

She came across a Facebook post about the UNESCO Teacher Workshop Series Competition, which she initially brushed off as a scam. After realizing it was not, she was quick to sign up. “As a teacher, I always think [about] how I can incorporate scientific principles in their [the students'] daily lives, even if they are at home,” she said. She felt that it is her responsibility as a teacher to enhance her teaching abilities in order to do a good job of educating her students. Ms. Olivera admitted to having a hard time accomplishing her job due to the numerous challenges thrown her way in addition to the restrictions brought about by the quarantine.

She received an email a few days after signing up and submitting her entry stating that she was a finalist for the competition. “I almost forgot about the competition,” she jokingly said. She also indicated that she had to ask a friend to verify it for her. But after the initial shock had died down, she was ecstatic. An opportunity like this is rare, and she knew it, so she intended to give everything she could.

The UNESCO competition intended to accomplish its goal of helping teachers and educators in the Asia-Pacific region by conducting a series of webinars. After the webinars, the finalists are to do a set of activities and assignments where they can showcase their newfound knowledge. In the first part, Ms. Olivera and her co-finalists were asked to present their best lesson plans and presentations. As she promised to herself, Ms. Olivera gave the best she could. Unfortunately, she was unable to participate in the second part for two reasons: first, she had to take care of an ill relative at the hospital; second, she needed the participation of students. The school year had just ended then, so there were no students present that could help her. Being unable to continue her participation, Ms. Olivera stated that she felt disappointed.

Ms. Olivera said that the competition was a big deal for her and for Malate Catholic School, but she had to accept the reality of the situation. Instead of focusing on the bad side, she remained positive.

Ms. Elaine Olivera may have not been able to finish the competition, but she learned a lot. She is more confident now that she will be able to deliver her lessons perfectly once the new school year starts. If given the opportunity, she would like to participate again in something similar. “Sabi nga nila kapag teacher ka you have to update yourself to continue to learn for the learners.” (Like what others say, if you are a teacher, you have to update yourself to continue to learn for the learners.) That is exactly what she intends to do. She will continue to learn as it is part of her job. After all, the best students make the best teachers.