My Second Year of Teaching

     A new academic year is starting, and I am so excited/nervous! My lesson plan notebook lies on top of our Principal’s desk, beautifully decorated with a gorgeous blue and white floral paper print (wrapped in plastic, of course). My class rules are carefully written down on yellow pad paper, which will serve as my “kodigo” of sorts as I meet up with my new students. My posters for my extra-curricular offerings (namely, basic arnis and piano lessons) are cheerfully posted in strategic locations around the small school. My brand new white pen markers and board erasers have been lovingly placed in a huge white box which will also house extra ballpens (to be lent to students in cases of emergency... why fight the inevitable?) and even has space for papers with assignments and quizzes. Ah... the life of a teacher. J

      I have “survived” my first year of teaching, and am about to embark on my second. Although the first year hasn’t been easy, it was a LOT of fun! I learned so many things along the way, and thanks to this amazing book (“The First Days of School” by Harry and Rosemary Wong), I’ve picked up lots of classroom management tips that I will implement this school year. Hopefully,  it will make me a more effective teacher and will lessen the pressure that comes along with the job.

      I will be handling the following: All the high school Music classes, Asian Civilization for high school sophomores, Casa/Kindergartan (Assisting Teacher), Speech and Drama (an elective for high school sophomores), and the Theater Club, with Choir, Basic Arnis, and Piano Lessons on the side.

      *super duper excited*

      I was reading this short but excellent book, “Letter to A Young Teacher” by Joseph V. Landy, S.J. I especially liked his post script, wherein he quoted from the Robert Bolt play on the life of Sir Thomas More, A Man For All Seasons.

      More: Why not be a teacher? You’d be a fine teacher. Perhaps even a great one.

Rich: And if I was, who would know it?

More: You, your pupils, your friends, God. Not a bad public, that... Oh, and a quiet life.

Father Landy goes on:

“For the best part of being a teacher is that it is more than just another job. It is almost a sacred calling. All teachers are called, not only to instruct pupils in their subject... but to be good influences on them...

Look back on your own school days. Remember how much you looked up to your teachers for guidance and inspiration? Those who taught us in college we remember mostly for what they did to our minds. But those who taught us in primary and secondary school made their mark on our characters, our ways of thinking about life, our ambitions, our immortal souls.

... To all young teachers who read these pages. Remember what you have been called to. Your power for good is enormous. Although quiet, unknown, and far from the eyes of would-be important people, your life as a teacher is very important in the eyes of God. Stay always aware that those eyes are on you, and you’ll be a fine teacher. Perhaps even a great one.”

I remember, Father. I remember. And with His help, I will someday be worthy of being called “Teacher Gabi.”

Now... I MUST practice getting up at 4:30 tomorrow morning, as this will be the time I have to wake up everyday for the next 9 months!! :)