Notes And Letters: Letter To My Former English Teacher

"Someday, you'll gonna be a prose or poetry writer."  

A word from an English teacher. A vivid memory that still owns a special place in my heart and mind. 

It was year 1992.  I'm a sophomore student. The time then was 9:00 o'clock in the morning. English class ongoing. 

The lesson was all about "adjectives". She got us think of an adjective word. From that adjective we've chosen we need to used every letter of that word and form a one stanza poem. 

And so the eager me hurried to get my pen and a piece of paper. The word I selected was "FAST". 

I started digging my thoughts, trying to come up with rhyming words to complete that one stanza requirement. Being in the star section - the cream of the crop, I need to step up my game or else I'll be lagging behind some of my brilliant classmates. Afraid that I might end up submitting last, I quickly thought of words that would complete the stanza. Never did I realized that when I passed that piece of paper - that one fourth piece of paper - I'd be seeing my paper as the first one being submitted.

The Poetry Corner: Ashes of Burnt Eyebrows

Flattered to have received positive comments regarding the poem I re-published here in my blog entitled I Need To Be Loved delivered by my former Grade-4 student Erika Marie Esteban. 

And to delight you again with another masterpiece of mine. Here once again a simple poem I especially composed way back March 21, 2006 to my Grade 5- First Honor Ephraim Ders Murro which he delivered during the graduation ceremony that year. 

Currently, Ram (as I fondly called him) is now a sophomore student of University of the Philippines - Diliman, Quezon City taking up a five-year degree course. I just forgot if it's Mass Communication, Business Administration or Political Science - I need to ask him to be sure. And I'm still in constant contact with him and even to my former grade school students. In fact last May 2010, I had arranged a get together with my former students when I went back to the Philippines for vacation. I was surprised how big they were already and I even jokingly shouted out "Stop growing guys!". Now, they are pursuing their dreams in college and seeing them excel in school is equivalent to my achievement too. That my mentoring has paid off.

Are You A Responsible Pinoy?

Hey guys, I just want to share with you all about the word “RESPONSIBILITY” here. I may sound too preachy here but let us be reminded how we can best display being responsible.  It can help us examine our life’s check and balance status. Henceforth, we can reassess if we are still within its frame.

For all we know, at times we fall short of being responsible. Our selfish attitude sometimes befalls us to its trap and we somehow take for granted to exercise responsibility over people and things in our own life.

Responsibility is taking care of your duties. Responsibility is answering for your actions. Responsibility is accountability. Responsibility is trustworthiness.

 Why is being responsible important?

Responsibility is a core value for living honorably.

Responsibility is being accountable for your behavior.

Responsibility is being dependable when you have things to do.

How To Be A Good Teacher?

     Today, I'll let you read an excerpt I got from the net while I was browsing earlier. And the title speaks what I'm referring to.

     All of us has a teacher's heart within us. Evidently, we always encounter people young or old who at some point wanted our insights or wants us to share our knowledge on something they don't know. As a result of that, it qualifies us as teachers.

     Read below an article to understand more a teacher in you.

     If you aspire to become a successful teacher, you must: have a sense of humor, possess an optimistic outlook, set a high standard, prove that you are a consistent teacher, treat all students fairly, and be flexible.

     Generally, teachers who do well in their teaching career tend to have similar traits. In order for you to succeed and become a good educator, you must have the right materials and sufficient training. in addition, a competent teacher should possess certain positive characteristics.

     These are to be learned, developed and mastered. They are precious qualities, which you cannot buy from a teacher supply store. All of these traits are within you, just waiting to be unlocked and honed. Let us find out if you have what it takes to become the successful teacher you know you can be.

Have a sense of humor

     Having a good sense of humor will give you an edge. Your sense of humor can reduce any tension within the classroom, and it will create a pleasant atmosphere for learning. Students will continue to be attentive in class and will look forward to being in school. This will not only give a positive effect to your students but to yourself as well. It will be easier for you to tackle a stressful teaching life because of the happy disposition brought about by your good sense of humor.

Have an optimistic outlook

     Having an optimistic outlook is a plus for you. Your profession may bring about problems and difficulties along the way. Nevertheless, you will surely be able to deal with them triumphantly because you are equipped with the right attribute: a positive attitude.

Set a high standard

     High standards and expectations will boost the achievement capacity level of your students. When you increase the yardstick of your expectations, your students will give more of their efforts, too. This will give them the right attitude towards their studies and will give them the confidence they need, too. Just make sure you do not make you expectations and standards unattainable.

Prove that you are a consistent teacher

     To be able to establish a good classroom environment that will aid students in learning, you must be able to deliver a clear and sound set of rules. Let your students know what they can expect from you every time you meet for class.

Treat all students fairly

     It is so easy for students to notice it when a teacher is being unfair. Treating students unfairly is not an option. It is required and expected that you treat every student fairly at all times.

Be flexible

     One of the principles of teaching is to be able to adjust to continuous change. Distractions and disturbances are likely to occur in between normal days. Thus, a flexible teacher will remain calm and in control when these things happen. He will even continue to have zest for the rest of the day.