On Becoming a Teacher (September 01, 2008)

I found this entry I wrote a year ago and was surprised to not see this in my own blog so I am adding this up. This is a gist of the presentation I gave for the SSHS students during their career orientation day.

On Becoming A Teacher
(The Beginning, the Middle Path, the Treasure Within)

The Beginning

Where do you fit in?
Do you like to teach?
Do you enjoy being with people?
Do you believe in making a difference?
Do you think you can be a good example to others?
Do you aim for selflessness and change?

Are you ready to be?
A spiritual leader
An academician
A guide
A leader
A mentor
An inspiration
A mover

How to be the best?
Education
Moral
Values
Dedication
Patience
Love

The Middle Path

Teaching as…
The road less taken… admittedly not a financially rewarding career which is a pity
The passing of the torch…as I pass the light from one person to the next so that his and her destiny is easily seen
Ripple effect…from me to you and to the next generation of young men and women
Instrument of change…or a catalyst, from good to better, to rise up to every occasion

Challenges
Comfort zone- to be comfortable and live within one’s own circle
Risk taker- to take part in the growing process by learning more and challenging oneself
I am not advocating brain drain but hoping that those who will leave the country, the reasons are for self-actualization and a matter of personal choice.

The Treasure Within
Financial- teaching won’t buy you material wealth but it can buy you trust and respect. It is a modest form of living.
Professional-growth as a person is inevitable and it is an ongoing process, we never cease to learn. We grow to learn ourselves and the people surrounding us.
Emotional-happiness can never be bought and when we do something where we are happy, then life is worth living.
Spiritual-remembering that you had been guiding young minds and hearts all throughout your life as a teacher.

And most especially the warmth and smiles of fifteen children everyday give me the reason to live. Love your teachers because they love you.