This current school term has just been a blur of preparing
lesson schemes, Powerpoint lectures, assignments and exams; a whirlwind of
class discussions, workshops, students' presentations; and agonizing
exam/assignment checking.
I love teaching.
My spirit has always been willing, but this
time around, my senior self―aka,
aching knees, forgetfulness episodes, impatience often rearing its ugly head―unfurled the red flag,
cautioning me to slowdown, go easy, and take each day as it came, otherwise...
So here I am singing alleluia as each of my subjects winds
down and anticipate a well-deserved vacation. It's only been by God's amazing
grace, wisdom and strength that this achy-breaky mentor still stands.
It's been a school term of firsts, as far as this teacher is
concerned:
My first time to handle a string of subjects and levels, from
senior high to college undergrad to post-graduate (MBA).
My first to teach quite a number: 68 students all in all.
My first attempt at different and creative assignment and
exam configurations, because I would have drowned in a hurricane of words and
unintelligible essays―which
would take me forever to make sense of―if
I insisted on traditional course work outputs.
Too, I learned to let go, giving my students more leeway to
explore more information and concepts, but mindful that as a teacher, I must
impose boundaries so that their curiosity doesn't bring them to the edge where radical
ideas may poison them.
I pray my students have learned, and gained wisdom in the
process.
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| image credit: https://img1.etsystatic.com |
Did I discipline them enough, reminded them of the
consequences if they slackened?
"Smug!" I've at one point sternly told one group.
I waited for repentance, but got this chorus instead, "Ms.,
what does smug mean?"
"Look it up in the dictionary," I replied rather
smugly too.
Anyway, next time, they were more considerate.
It was a learning overload for me too! Just like a caffeine
fix on IV (intravenous) drip perennially pumped into my veins. Some nights I
spent just concocting strategies to engage them.
Where I struggled most were our discussions on family issues―domestic violence, divorce, abortion and the LGBT culture―in the subject
"Understanding Culture, Society and Politics".
To put a closure on the different ideas that were almost
flying off the handle, I relied on my believer's toolbox, sharing with them
biblical truths as anchors for right living.
One of my biggest realizations: special kids are special
indeed! I prepared a special exam for my special student Ana*. She insisted on
taking my original exam and got an even higher grade than her other supposedly
"normal" classmates.
Miracles indeed happen in the classroom. Some may take
longer to gestate―like
students who may bungle it again and again, but shape up later. But many changes
happen right in front of me.
That's why I love teaching. Thank you, Jesus, for being my
teacher.
*Not her real name
