KSA + F + G = EFFECTIVE TEACHING = SUCCESS

KSA + F + G = EFFECTIVE TEACHING = SUCCESS

“Effective teaching may be the hardest job there is.” These are the challenging words of William Glasser. But do we, future educators, allow this quotation lose our vision and mission to teach the world that is hungry of right knowledge and actions and that is thirsty of correct values? We must confidently and positively respond to this great challenge of teaching.

However, how can we accept and perform the responsibilities and the duties as teachers efficiently and effectively if we do not possess adequate knowledge, necessary skills, and right attitudes? We must not be like those soldiers who go to the battlefield without any preparations and die on the fields because of ignorance, incompetence, and indirection, and eventually face their tragedy and downfall and their dream of a free, peaceful, and prosperous country is lost. We hope that our future is not similar to that. We will save the Filipino people, the Philippines, and the world from ignorance, disease, poverty, and war, for we all have what it takes to be the great teachers of the 21^st century. Thanks to Foundation University offering quality education!

We, the 21^st century teachers, must possess personal and professional characteristics. These qualities are expressed in the formula KSA+F+G = EFFECTIVE TEACHING = SUCCESS. SUCCESS!

K stands for knowledge – which pertains to the understanding of the world (arts and sciences, business, health, education, agriculture, engineering, computer, etc.) We must also have good theoretical and practical backgrounds of teaching and learning. We must master our field of specialization to become efficient and effective teachers.

S is for skills. If a teacher says these, “I do not know how to use a computer and an ipad. I don’t know how to use PowerPoint presentations in my lectures. I do not know how to use microscopes in my Biology class. I do not know how to write, to speak, to listen well, and to read with comprehension,” what will be you reaction? My response would be, “You do not know how to be a teacher.” Teacher mush have skills.

Moreover, Bertrand Russell said, “No man can be a good teacher unless he has feelings of warm affection toward his pupils and a genuine desire to impart to them what he himself believes to be of value.

Yes! I agree with Mr. Russell.

When I was teaching in a Catholic high school after I finished my course, Bachelors of Arts major in English, here at Foundation University, I encountered failures, pains, hardships, triumphs, and lessons in life. But I survived all those impediments because I love teaching. I love my students. I wanted them to learn and to experience the wonderful changes that could happen when they would apply their knowledge to become skills, and show industry, patience, humility, sacrifice, generosity, respect. How could I do all of these?

When I was teaching already, I woke up in the cold and silent dawn, traveled from home to school early, attended a mass, participated in the flag ceremony, and went to my classes to discuss my lessons. I even had English writing workshops or trainings for the staff of the school paper even without payment and without snacks, for it was a great joy to see in the eyes of the children, listen to what they say and watch what they are making that they learned. Because of our courage, positivism, and preparation, my students won in the Private Schools Press Conference in the Division of Negros Oriental and in the Division Schools Press Conference. There were even champions. We reached the Regional Schools Press Conference. I am very proud of my students of their achievements. I believe that it was they who exerted the greatest effort that led them to winning the contests. Those were their prizes. My prizes were the miracles that are happening in them. They become better thinkers, writers, speakers, listeners, and persons.

I am happy to reminisce the past I shared with my students. The joy is the greatest compensation. It was the passion, the love for teaching students and the love for students!!!! We hope that it is and will be that love that will make us firm and positive to be in the teaching profession as we face life’s new tests every day.

On each day, our family is with us. In times we celebrate success like this, they are with us. When our tears fall, bodies weakened, and spirits almost die, our mother, father, brothers, sisters, relatives, and friends are there ever ready to give strength when we are powerless, joy when sad, and light when blind. Thanks to them!

Above all, the greatest light is God. He is life. I believe that Jesus is God who creates all things on Earth. We must thank God for all the wonderful graces we have received because of His mercy, generosity, and love for His people.

In all our undertakings as teachers, we must ask His guidance and help in times of failures and disappointments. We must not forget to give glory to His name in every accomplishment we make.

With our knowledge, skills, attitudes, family, and God, we will succeed in our vision and mission to make the world a better place to live.

Thank you to all our teachers, to the dean of College of Education, Dr. Roullette Cordevilla, to the administrators, and to the institution that I love, Foundation University.

To all fourth year regular students and CPs, the question what do you want to be? A teacher. But are you ready? Thank you!