The Ultimate Challenge

There were times that I faltered and would like to give up when confronted with stubborn students, piles of paper work and a tight schedule; but I tried hard to look at it as an ultimate challenge that needed to be conquered and indeed these were conquered! with patience, determination and yes …LOVE. Love was the absolute formula a teacher has to possess for students to excel and succeed. Whenever a seemingly “problem student” succeeded, the self fulfillment I felt during those times was an all time high that could hardly be described in words.

Presently, I am still teaching and will undoubtedly be, for as long as I can; and I humbly acquiesce – at last! That without teachers, all the other professions would not exist. In conclusion, may I attach a Decalogue that I have composed.

Decalogue of a teacher

Lord let me not forget that I am a teacher, and as such;

1. I am the pen that writes indelibly on their blank minds.
2. I should always look for the positive trait of a student for there will always be one.
3. If I have to criticize a student, may I do it constructively and in private for they also have “egos” like I do.
4. I should provide enough democratic space so that they could express themselves and be heard, for I am aware that I do not have the monopoly of information and intellect. They learn from me and I learn from them.
5. I am not more intelligent than my students, but only “ahead” of them in terms of the length of my education.
6. I am only a facilitator of their learning process and that each student has his own learning style which I have to consider in order to maximize his potential; for there will always be one aspect in which they will excel. Each has his own God given talent.
7. I know that learning is a dynamic process and I should update and enrich my knowledge through continuous study and research.
8. I act as their surrogate parent. Let me see my child in each of them.
9. I should treat each student as I would have treated you. Allow me to see your image in each student and nurture them with love, compassion and understanding.
10. I am not only responsible for facilitating their acquisition of knowledge but also for their total personality development for God and humanity.