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Featured Essays
Why it counts to be an effective teacher
By Purisima SL. Navalta
SST III, Mercedes National High School
Mercedes, Zamboanga City
A teacher’s efficiency is necessary for the improvement of our
educational system. Considered as a focal point in the educative
process, efficiency paves the way for the formation of intelligent,
morally sound, healthy, and responsible students.
Efficiency does not refer only to the capacity of the teacher but
also has something to do with the school’s standards of excellence
which a teacher complements. Because the teacher and the learning
institution are bonded by the same purpose and vision, the promotion of
students’ welfare is the ultimate mission.
Teachers have a mission to fulfill. In their hands lie the future of
the country because they mold the youth who will become the nation’s
future leaders. To become efficient and effective, teachers must have
H.E.A.R.T.:
Honesty. As a teacher, one must be honest to himself, to the school,
and to his profession. A teacher must always be truthful in whatever he
does or say. He must have integrity and transparency at all times.
Earnestness. A teacher’s devotion to his profession is reflected on
his enthusiasm to prepare lesson plans and on his untiring pursuit to
gain more knowledge. An efficient teacher comes to class prepared and
he makes the most of each and every class period.
Availability. For the good of his students, an effective teacher is
willing to render services outside his duties. He makes time for
student consultations and is always available for extra-curricular
activities.
Responsibility. A teacher is said to be responsible when he relates
himself to his peers under conditions of symbiotic relationship and to
the expectations of his duty; when he fights for what is right for the
general well-being of the students and the school; when he does not
resent correction if at times he is at fault; when he opens his eyes
and ears to a call for a beneficent change; when he sees himself as an
instrument for the good of the majority rather than advancing his
personal interest; when he does not exploit the weaknesses of another
for his personal aggrandizement; and when he advances the cause of the
profession.
Trustworthiness. An effective teacher always protects his
credibility and that of the institution and of the people he works
with. A teacher who earns the trust of his peers, students, and parents
is able to motivate and mobilize people to work together for the common
good.
In our school, H.E.A.R.T. values are important. Teachers must not
only seek recognition for what they have accomplished, but they also –
and more importantly -- must strive to become God-fearing,
values-oriented mentors.
(Published 13 July 2009, Smart Communications, Inc.)
