How To Build Tomorrow
Abstract
Moulders... Educators... Nation-builders... Words that describe the individuals who took on the challenge of teaching, the noblest of all professions. History tells us that wherever there is a spring of knowledge, civilization and culture blossomed. In an ideal world, teachers are treated with deep respect and held in high esteem. Realistically? Teachers are often unappreciated, underpaid, and overworked. Nowadays, being an educator and intellectual does not carry the same privileges and station that it once had. I should know, I am one.
Modern day teachers in the Philippines are mostly occupied with being cogs in the bureaucracy rather than being mentors. The goal of educating the next generation and creating a competent workforce for the country is mostly lost. Nowadays, we give away medals like candy and shower the students with awards and recognition despite some of them painfully not meeting the standards. Being a teacher has become a job, a means to make ends meet. As with all things, there are always exceptions. Some mentors keep the fire and passion of nurturing young minds in their heart of hearts. And yes, it is sad that these kinds of people have become the exception and not the majority.
The formula of putting a premium on quality education and the pursuit of knowledge has always worked in elevating a nation, as demonstrated by the ancient Greeks and every other noteworthy dynasties across human history. Basically, education is the art of passing what is known from previous generations to the next. This accumulation of knowledge leads to breakthroughs and development when applied properly. A mentor conveys the previously accumulated information to the mentee. Hence, it can be said that the development of human civilization hinges on the teachers and their ability to empower their students.
What happens when teachers have become so jaded that they have lost sight of their purpose and its impact on the future? Sub-standard graduates, incompetent workers, dumb leaders.
As each student inevitably becomes a part of society, their level of education will have an effect on whatever role they have taken. Not all of them will be leaders, or prime movers. Most of these graduates will take on entry-level jobs and eventually work their way into bigger roles but will probably stay within the industry where they first started. With the current educational setup, our country is producing a whole generation of Filipinos who have high grades in school. It looks good on paper, "No child left behind" sounds like a noble battle cry. In reality though, one has to wonder what percentage of every batch the necessary level of competence will actually have to perform in the real world.
From my perspective as a teacher, I understand the day-to-day struggles that the typical Filipino educator faces. Through it all, we grind through each school year while seeing the quality of students turn out steadily declining. Is it because the system is broken? Perhaps it's the policies that don't make sense and do not translate well into real-world applications? Whatever the problem is, I believe the Department of Education is continuously doing its best to address it.
This is not a scathing review of our educational system. This is my way of calling for a reality check, and focus the spotlight on the humble public-school teacher. Why can't we elevate our educators to a higher status and correspondingly hold them to a higher standard? Uplifting the moulders will have exponentially positive results on the caliber and quality of graduates they produce. I firmly believe that empowering the ma'ams and sirs of the Philippines will work wonders for our country. If you nurture the roots, you will reap the fruits.
To my fellow mentors, it is time to re-ignite the lost passion, rediscover our true purpose and reclaim our dignity as the original influencers of society. Let us prioritize educating our students with the goal of making them into valuable members of the community. By moulding the next generation into well-rounded and productive individuals, we are creating a reliable and competent workforce for years to come.
We hold the key to rebuilding our country. We know better, so we should do better. For our sake, for the sake of our children, for our children's children, do not give up on this generation. We build tomorrow by showing up with purpose and genuinely caring about educating our students, one school day at a time.
