The pains and gains of teaching

MANILA, Philippines - Teaching is an occupation that has itself pains and gains. These are the trials and challenges, blessings and benefits that a teacher enjoys in this profession which is often called a vocation rather than an occupation.

Being a teacher is an answer to a call because not everybody took up teaching and entered this field because they fear the heavy task inherent in the profession, notwithstanding the benefits derived from it.

The first pain encountered by teachers are the unruliness of students. They tend to over exercise their freedom to the extent that they lose discipline and create so much noise. Others are neglectful and lazy and when they are given failing marks, poor teachers are being blamed. Despite applying all kinds of positive and friendly approaches still many resent and then ignore such treatment. Could this be because of too much child rights protection to the extent that teachers’ rights are abused? Students have no more fear for their teachers.  Is it vice versa? Second, teachers are tasked with various responsibilities including the preparation of lesson plans, audio visual aids and other materials that are needed for effective and efficient teaching, including the making of grade sheets, records, and reports needed.

Third, teachers are obliged to be part of extra and co-curricular activities, projects, and involvement in community affairs. These teachers work even beyond the call of duty.

Despite hardships, teachers’ situation is now improving with better salary, more benefits, scholarship grants, other privileges like allowances, uniforms and bonuses.

They are also consoled by their students especially those who are thoughtful and grateful, those who remember them during special occasions by giving gifts and tokens. Often, the very understanding and loving teacher are those who receive such treatment. Hence, this is a return of investment. It really pays to sow good deeds among students and reap them later. These are the pains and gains of teaching.