Reflections on Teachers and Teaching

Class!
I was quite excited and quite nervous, can I do it?
Last January 25-26, 2007, University of the Philippines held its’ KYSD or Know Your School Day. In this activity, students for them to have time to relax will substitute teachers.
Some schoolmates explained to us what this activity and what will happen. Some who are willing will substitute the teachers and will be the teachers. Some of my classmates were excited to hold a subject. Some were excited to hold a position. Some too were confused, if they were going to hold a subject or have a position or not. Right! Teaching is not an easy thing to do. I was looking at my classmates. They were excited for this activity. Then I have also asked myself if I shall have one? Yes! What will I lose if I hold one? Then there I go. Just like being a real teacher, we need to fill a form and be interviewed. Like others, too, I was also nervous of giving answers to the questions they will throw unto me. Well, I was also confused on what subjects will I hold? There are too many of them. Will it be English, Math, Science, or what? Uh!!! But well, I finally came up with a decision, to apply for Science, Reading and Filipino. Definitely, I broke the rules. How bad I was. It was said that we could apply or hold for two subjects only. But one teacher told us that we can apply more because what if you cannot be accepted for the subject you’re applying. And she has a point. But luckily shall I say that I was hired for the three subjects. I thought of it. And I said to myself, maybe I can do it? At first, it looked easy for me. On the first day of the activity, there was a program in which we, the “teachers” will be given ID’s. I had three ID’s. Imagine! Before that, we were also given some instructions on what lesson should be tackled and it is up to us how we are going to do it. My subjects were still on the second day and the third so I also had a chance to see some of them work. I think they were nervous on what to do. I was also nervous when I saw them. But I thought I can do it. The first subject I had was Filipino. I was to continue the part we stopped at Ibon Adarna. We read the continuation. Then, we had a game called “Paint Me a Picture”. They were to portray some scenes that I give them. I was really laughing on what others did. Then the bell rang, signaling that being a Filipino teacher was over. But, o..ohh! I still have two subjects to handle. I asked my classmates if my performance was okay. Some said it was okay and that they had fun. It gave me then a sort of reason that I can do it. Then I had Reading. We covered one selection and had a quiz and promised that we will have a game. But we lack time. I asked them if they were okay and they said yes. Here at last. I am going to have my last subject, Science. We covered a chapter and again promised to have a game. But Ernestine and I have not fulfilled our promise but it was okay.
The last day had come and we had our closing program. My colleagues and I were given a Certificate of Recognition just enough for me for a smile.
I have also said to myself that being a teacher and to teach is not an easy thing to do. You have to focus on your teaching. You must also be patient at any times. You must also treat everyone, too equal and fair. You must be approachable. Lastly, strict but reasonable. If you look one by one, it seems to be easy but in fact, it is not. I am not frightening anyone to try to teach but believe me.
For everything I have done, I proved myself… I can do it!