EDITORIAL - Leading in crisis

After nearly seven months of disruption, classes will finally open today, with 22 million students enrolled in public schools. The start of the academic year in the public school system coincides with the observance today of World Teachers’ Day.

It is a fitting coincidence, because in this public health crisis that has killed over one million people and infected nearly 35 million worldwide as of yesterday, teachers are among the critical frontliners. With the idea that learning never stops, even as a killer coronavirus continues its rampage across the globe, teachers have a mission to ensure that no student is left behind.

Today’s special observance recognizes the role played by teachers in “leading in crisis and reimagining the future” – the theme of the special day. In the Philippines, lawmakers are urging the government to provide a special allowance to teachers for mask and alcohol supplies. While most classes are being conducted remotely using computers and television sets, teachers must continue face-to-face interaction with their supervisors, colleagues and students’ parents. Many have expressed concern over the risk of COVID infection.

And yet, despite the fear, teachers will conduct classes beginning today. The public schools are already behind the private institutions, many of which followed the original plan of opening on Aug. 24, with several others starting classes even earlier.

While there is general agreement that learning never stops, there are still too many students who will be left behind as the country proceeds with blended learning modes for school year 2020-2021. As of last week, around three million students still had not enrolled, according to official data.

While education officials have reassured parents that even children without gadgets or internet connection can proceed with their formal education, the difficulties spawned by the COVID pandemic have compelled parents to keep their children out of school for this year.

Across the country, teachers are doing their part to persuade such parents to enroll their children and send the message that education is a basic right. This mission is on top of the teachers’ efforts to improve their skills in providing distance learning while protecting themselves from coronavirus infection.

Several local government units have provided teachers in their jurisdictions with laptops and the other requirements for the new normal in formal education. Not all LGUs, however, have the resources for this, and teachers must then scrounge for their own gadgets. Teachers are prepared to take a leading role in this health crisis, but they need a lot more help.