Four to five hours of sleep. Planning and Writing Lessons and Activities. Making visual Aids. Being on call 24 hours. Adviser. Mother. Friend. Enemy. Counselor. Facilitator. Banker. Comedian. Teacher.
One would wonder why teachers sentenced themselves to this kind of tedious job. It doesn't even pay much. Our pay right now is indeed much higher than that of the previous generations of teachers. But if you would analyze it, most of the pay teachers get, they use for the beautification of their classrooms, for teaching materials, and everything else that the school cannot provide the teachers with.
My friend and I even joke about our 13th month and mid-year bonus. These bonuses are usually given before the end of May and November. We discussed how strategically the government gives money during that time of the year. Why? Brigada Eskwela usually starts the third week of May, and Christmas Parties are scheduled for the half of December as well. Most teachers, not all though, use the money for cleaning materials and decorations of their classrooms once they receive their mid-year in May. They use the 13th month to buy stuff for Christmas Parties in November. Stuff like Giveaways, additional foods, and prizes. It was funny yet saddening to think that the hard-earned money the teachers get still goes to the school and the kids.
Not that we're complaining. I don't really regret spending the money on the kids. Seeing their happy faces and the excited glint in their eyes. They look forward to it so much. But it wouldn't really hurt if the government increased our salary, right? It would mean we can spend the money both for the kids and for our families as well.
So what made me love teaching?
This kind of sincere and honest appreciation of kids for what you do for them. Students can be so naughty that you'd want to pull your hair out in irritation. They can be very slow regarding lessons you'd be rolling your eyes at forever. But with just a single knowing smile and innocent jokes and shades, you can't help but laugh at and with them. It was frustrating when you wanted to be seriously mad at them but couldn't.
My Department Head told me once that I should toughen it up. Another friend and co-teacher also told me I shouldn't be chummy with the kids and maintain some distance.
I am not that. I am and will always be that teacher who smiles a lot in front of the class, who jokes around, who loves seeing the kids enjoy the subject, not seeing them cowering in fear, and listening to your lesson without comprehension. I am the kind of teacher who'd want the kids to be comfortable and at ease in their seats.
I learned my lesson a few years back, though. It is okay to be that kind of teacher but not too much. Kids will always be kids, and they will overpower you if you are too kind. So slowly, very slowly, I am trying to be strict sometimes. Last year was some sort of test.
Anyway, I look forward to meeting my new kids this year.
