The Strength in Me
by NIÑA L. SOLANIA
It’s no secret that the education system in the Philippines has faced a lot of dramatic changes that lead to the implementation of distance learning to foster “academic ease” at this time of the pandemic.
Despite the clamor on students’ and parents’ struggles with online learning, self-studying, lack of focus and numerous activities to be answered from the modules, we teachers have our fair share of challenges and difficulties as well.
Due to COVID-19, the education landscape was thoroughly transformed and teachers were oblivious to what to do next. That is why series of webinars and training was given to teachers to capacitate and prepare us for the start of the new school year.
The start of the school year 2020-2021 confronted our adaptability and resiliency to continue the delivery of quality education. It is a challenge that must be recognized upfront, as we teachers embraced the use of different technology and online platforms just to reach out to our learners. Different problems were also encountered in online teaching like internet connection and power interruptions.
There were also days that we were tirelessly working morning and night just to make the modules and activity sheets, print them, and sort them out, just to be ready for the distribution. We sometimes look at the bulk of papers we need to check and wonder when we can finish it.
Aside from the challenges in the delivery of education, we are also confronted with many reports, activities, contests, and school engagements that we need to do and participate in. And it’s never-ending.
There were days that we feel tired, hopeless, and just want to give up. But we don’t do it; instead, we rise and do our tasks the next day and that is where our strength resides. It is the passion burning in us to continue our service while enduring these difficult times. We sometimes fall short, but we always keep our strength as a teacher to ensure that learning will never stop.
There is no measuring stick for a good teacher, but our pupils and parents can tell which one. Our dedication and commitment towards teaching have gone to incredible lengths despite all the setbacks and challenges we are facing right now.
This coming school year 2021-2022 will never be easy but I know we shall overcome, for we teachers have the quality and strength that takes to survive and surpass it all together with our faith in our Lord God in the midst.
I am a teacher and I have the strengths within me. ###
