Tribute to teachers

My Nanay is a retired public school teacher who taught Grade 1 pupils for 42 years, 11 months and two days at the Campesao Elementary School in my hometown of Borongan City, Eastern Samar. Growing up, I remember seeing her diligently doing her lesson plan day in and day out, on all conditions, and without fail. It was from Nanay that I learned the value of reading, of knowledge for knowledge’s sake, of always doing my best and of having a good education.

These were the thoughts in my mind as I pondered the theme of the most recent celebration of World Teacher’s Day — “Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies.” According to www.unesco.org, the slogan “highlights the fact that teachers must be empowered as a critical step towards quality education and sustainable societies.”

This same ennobling sentiment is echoed in a poem shared by Teresita Vinson Cariño, a 77-year-old retired public school teacher of Caduha-an Elementary School in Cadiz City. The poem was sent with a touching letter, where she humbly writes, “I’m not an expert in poetry but this is my way of expressing that I’m very proud I was once a teacher.” If expertise is judged by the ability to touch the reader’s emotions, then I can honestly say that Ma’am Teresita deserves to be a poet laureate.

She explains further that the poem is her tribute to all teachers, “It took me more than three months to finalize this because it had undergone trial-and-error process. To God be the glory for my great achievement.”

She wishes the poem will give her fellow teachers inspiration and comfort as they continue to educate despite encountering hardships, financial crisis and social temptations. “And also to express my appreciation for their work well done because without their efforts, this world will live in illiteracy and ignorance.”

Here is the poem of Mrs. Cariño, which I am printing en toto:

A Tribute to Teachers

‘A Teacher’

A teacher is a unique and wonderful creation

Made by God to fulfill His sacred mission

Guided by the Holy Spirit, she lives her life so well

She performs her duties effectively to the fullest level.

A teacher’s tasks are very hard and highly stressful

Teaching how to read, to write and to compute are serious and incomparable

Nurturing children from different walks of life is not too easy

Choosing appropriate instructional materials and strategies to be used day by day.

A teacher when in school plays the role of a second mother

Serves as a nurse to those scabies, wounds or fever

A guidance counselor to those with insecurities, mentally weak and naughty

In troubles or conflicts she stands as a fair referee.

A teacher is proven to be the best and dedicated mentor

For she fully understands each child’s behavior

She is also known as the builder of the nation

She teaches them to respect and obey the Constitution.

A teacher is said to be the unsung hero

Fighting against illiteracy is definitely difficult to do

Knowledge and wisdom are her secret and powerful weapons to win

She is truly a hero, but only forgotten.

A teacher undoubtedly a hard-working employee

She brings home her unfinished school work. Does them till midnight even on holidays

Her job is not limited in school only, but extended to the community

She renders extra services especially serving on election days.

A teacher’s life is simple, challenging and with humility

She does her job honestly despite of low salary

Her strong faith and confidence makes her face tomorrow without fear

In whatever she does, God is always at the center.

A teacher’s efforts, patience and sacrifices are worth to remember

Her noble deeds are done full of unconditional love and care

Whatever success you have, she had contributed a lot

Now it’s time to look back and say to her, “Ma’am, thank you very much.”

A teacher hates and condemns the weird and unethical behaviors

Of those who pretend to be true teachers but they are infiltrators

She considers them as invaders and intruders in teaching profession

So, they are disqualified to join any teachers’ organizations.

A teacher even though she retires from the public service

Yet she can never forget her teaching memories

She is happy and proud that she was once a teacher

Her legacy will absolutely remain in every heart forever.

A teacher needs your moral support and prayers

That God will keep her safe and protect her rights and welfare

That tie will bless and guide her in all her undertakings

And grant her a long and happy life showered by His blessings.