Just a Reminder

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. During my elementary days, I dreamed of

becoming a teacher because I envy my teacher who constantly gives commands and
orders to her pupils yet they follow her wholeheartedly. I told myself: someday, I will be
a teacher and I will give orders to my pupils more than the way she does.

When I entered high school, I had a change of perspective. I dreamed of

becoming a teacher because I want to be a coach in different academic contests,
traveling to and fro with privileges at the school’s expense. I know my motivations that
time were purely self-centered and irrational. That was because I did not grasp yet the
essence of being a professional educator.

Then comes my college life--the official start of turning my dream into reality. I
realized that responding to the call of teaching is not easy just like what they used to
say. Despite the hardships, there's no way for turning back because I know I’m just
inches away from my dream. During my pre-service teaching, I was exposed to real
world of teaching—a world which demands for my life I should say.
After graduation, I took another milestone towards my dream—taking the board
exam. I was blessed enough to pass the test that would give me the privilege to be
called registered professional teacher.
Today, as we take a solemn oath to our noble profession, I would like to leave
some reminders as we part our ways in search of our future.
Let us not forget the lessons we’ve learned during our college days, especially
those that made us professional educators and distinguished us from other professions.
Let us continue to abide by the ideals and philosophies instilled in our young minds.
Social Dimensions of Education taught us the four pillars of learning. Let us make
those pillars a strong foundation as we continue to pave our way towards excellence.
Above all, let us remain anchored to the most important aspect--learning to live
together.
Child and Adolescent Growth and Development reminds us that we were once a
child and an adolescent, therefore, as teachers; we should be the one who fully
understands the actions of our students. Let us make school a democratic place for
them to grow holistically.
Principles of Teaching provided us with countless principles that we can always
hold on to whenever we are confused and uncertain of our decisions. Most of all, let us
not forget that we are well-respected professionals, thus we have to live a life governed
by moral principles.
Educational Technology equipped us with technological skills thus we could
attest that learning is not confined on the four corners of the classroom. This reminds us
that we should not limit ourselves from acquiring 21st century skills.
Developmental Reading reminds us that there is always a room for development.
It’s not enough that we are literate. Always aim for professional growth and development
and live the life the way an educated person should live.
Facilitating Learning appointed us educators as facilitators. Coupled with this is
our responsibility to guide our students towards a life worth living.
 Assessment of Student Learning taught us how to measure and evaluate the
learning of our students. Let us not forget to assess ourselves as well. We have to
measure the extent of our influence upon our students and evaluate our efficiency and
effectiveness in molding citizens helpful to the society
Curriculum Development is a constant reminder that we are primary contributors
in the curriculum. Thus, we have to ensure that we deliver its contents with utmost
professionalism and fiery passion to always make a difference.
Teaching as Profession is laden with philosophies that made us appreciate the
science and art of teaching. It also showed us how to practice our profession in a
morally upright manner. Remember what Henry Adams said: A teacher affects eternity;
he can never tell where his influence stops.
Pre-service Teaching constitutes the largest proportion of our experience as a teacher
as we are subjected in the very same field where the rest of our lives will revolve. I
know, in our own ways, we were able to bear witness of the saying that “A good teacher
is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others.”