OF BOOK BLUNDERS AND NAT WONDERS

Some Good Teachers Never Last

Yesterday I was able to talk with one of our book agents. His is the company who has been in the limelight too often lately because of reports that their books contain significant factual and even conceptual errors. He was all in the defensive stance. I cannot blame him. I was wondering though why this person who keeps on critiquing book mistakes always comes out with reports on national TV almost always at the end of the school year. Why not produce the report at the beginning of the school year, or better, before the next school year commences?

I am now more inclined to think that this lawyer who reviews books works for another book company. At the end of the school year, the Dept. of Education obviously reviews everything for the next academic year. Books with mistakes irk parents who think the government owes them more than free basic education. Erroneous books should be changed is their clamor or our dear children will not learn anything more than Gagambino or Santino. I hope this lawyer-book critique reviews all books and really works for the excellence of our dear country’s deteriorating basic education system. (Sob…sob…sob!)

Because current books now used by our dear students have mistakes, unfortunately this will affect their stellar performance in the Sophomore National Achievement Test (NAT). This is according to teachers who are idiots and should not have been teaching. Anyway what they are only after is the monthly difference of their salaries minus all the loans that equal in number to the erroneous book entries. Poor NAT performance equates with less satisfactory performance rating – another wrong notion that encourages cheating among teachers (not students) during nationally administered tests.

Substandard books, less student understanding, poor NAT performance, less satisfactory performance rating, less salary makes Miss Tapia even poorer because she still has to pay for the monthly installment of her new motorbike she rides to school, then back home. She is left with nothing to eat, so she decides to sell ukay-ukay bras, fake Avon jewelries and ice candies to augment her income. These and everything without regard of all the personal, moral and social incentives just because of a publisher who publishes publications with wrong publishments(?) Yucks!

A teacher should understand that she is not supposed to teach the book. She is supposed to teach knowledge, skills and attitudes. Hers is a work not just confined to asking the students to read for facts in the book but rather teaching the students to think and explore beyond the facts that they have read. A teacher is not supposed to even be guided by the book or the book manual because she is supposed to contextualize her lessons. Book authors and what they have written are way up the ivory towers when our students and the lives they live everyday is way down.

Do not blame the book companies for less student understanding. Do not blame the erroneous book entries for poor NAT performances. Do not blame the book publishers why teacher performance rating is less satisfactory. Do not blame anyone, anything and on anywhere why we teachers wallow in poverty. In the very first place, we were not taught that teachers earn well in this country. That is why when we go back and visit the prestigious university or the state college where we graduated from all the instructors now are as bobo as we are because the intelligent professors have left us and the country for good. (Another sob…sob…sob!)

In both pictures are some of our best teachers that have just to leave school for reasons they themselves only knew.

CAN'T SEEM TO GET OVER IT

ALYANNA AGAIN - Utanon Festival Queen 2009

MY MOTHER DREW a distinction between achievement and success. She said that "achievement is the knowledge that you have studied and worked hard and done the best that is in you. Success is being praised by others, and that's nice too, but not as important or satisfying. Always aim for achievement and forget about success."

- Helen Hayes

A FEW GOOD MEN

Conversation of Men about to Resign from the Human Race

Jax: Tsk. Grabe diay Sir noh? Accident na Sir, or intentionally? Kuyawa gud nila Sir. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Wa’ na ang essence sa S.M.A., Catholic school man unta. Unya naa diay "Black Behind the Blue". Mother Ignacia's core values will be just a dream na lang diay Sir. Tsk. Sayang. Sayang ka S.M.A.

Doki: Jax! 'Like your comments, nakakaiyak. At least, you feel the pain and sadness, ang kausik. Mga bata karon, sayang WALA!

Jax: No problem, Sir. Four years I've stayed in S.M.A. gud Sir, di pwedeng magpakamanhid. Although I might not be one of the best students, I still do care for the school. S'yempre, graduate eh. Good for us, we've experienced good things though might not be the best, but how about them? Such a total waste if the values that were taught in the school will not be ingrained. Sayang lang yung mga efforts not just of the Sisters and teachers but also yours. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk!

Doki: Jax, I know before that you are cut much better than the rest of your classmates. However, what sets you apart more than the others is you can write well. What I like about what you said is the idea that you treasured every good memory that you have with us and the school. You may have bad experiences, but obviously you did not make them affect you at all, rather than you learn more from them. How I wish our students today were like you and most of your classmates before. Medyo magulo but kamao mo-lugar. Remember, this is one of the three things I ask from you - that is, we should know where we stand.

Jax: You taught and put that in my mind Sir, eh. Hehehe! I just make use of it rather than just leave it and do nothing about it. I admit medyo gubot ko minsan but if in focus, I'm that kind of person na mahilig mag-observe then react in the right manner (‘hope I'm right). Pero ‘yong reason nila ngayon why ingon ana sila, mabaw ra kaayo. They're a prisoner of their own fantasy. They make things which they can't control in the long run. They just think of what these things are now and not thinking what will these things be in the future. I admit our batch is unlikely not much good but I'm very proud because even though gano’n kami, kamao mi mo-handle sa among mga gipangbuhat and kabalo mo-control. Tsk. If I'm just a teacher, naku. Pirme ko mag wali just lang matanum sa ilang mga utok ang mga values.

Jax: Wrong grammar diay sir. "They're prisoners of their own fantasy" diay. Sorry!

Doki: This is what I really like about you. You are not just a sensitive, sensible guy. You even know your grammar. You did not forget your S-LV-C sentence. That the subject should agree with the number of its predicate nominative. I told you once that I admire men who know their English. You are one of these men. And remember, we are a vanishing breed. Men who are good in English are now for extinction, but obviously because there are still a few of us, the world will obviously still be beautiful and worth living. (Naks! Heavy naman...)

Jax: Ahahaha! Lapad ako atay Sir. I'm one diay sa mga vanishing breed. Haha. But seriously Sir, I still don't forget all the things that you've taught us. Nakatanim na kasi ‘yon sa utak ko. Kasi nga I told to myself noon na, "I should never miss a chance to learn about everything.” Bahalag di ko bright basta I prove to them that I did my best. That matters most kasi for me. I don't care naman about the medals, honors, awards, etc. Mga bling2x ra man na sila. Madala ba gud na inig apply ug trabaho? Di man. Ang importante ‘yong knowledge at wisdom na we learn sa school - no matter how big or small it is. Basta ako, I learn to stand on my own feet without the hands of others. Win or lose, win pa rin. Hahaha. Eh, you will learn from your mistakes sabi nila . Eh, di mo mararating ‘yong success na tinatamasa mo ngayon kung di dahil sa mistake mo noon. Few things lang naman gusto ko: 1. To learn little about everything. 2. To experience failures 3. To experience success. Ehehe!

(The picture was taken during the English Fest 2007 when Jackson won first place in essay writing.)

...BUT TO KINDLE MINDS

An Ode to a Friend Teacher

The beauty of aging is that one matures to face the complex realities of life. Experience, so they said, is the best teacher. As one grows older, one experiences more of life-its joys, pains and triumphs. Ma'am Jasmine is a friend teacher who epitomizes the wisdom, the beauty of growing old not in years but in experience. In her, one sees the fulfillment of what is it to really be a teacher in the strictest sense-one who imparts not opinions, but one who kindles the minds of the many.

I had the pleasure of observing Ma'am Jasmine this afternoon during her Biology class. The lesson was on bioenergetics, focusing on the chemical nature of photosynthesis. This was not any ordinary class. She was also under the scrutiny of the critical eye of our Regional Superintendent. But because of experience, she just breezed through her prelection to presentation then to integration. With much finesse and the gentle acumen of a teacher so much dedicated to her craft, generalization, essential questioning and valuing all came out through easily from the mouths of the students.

What impressed so much the superintendent though was how she integrated English and Chemistry in her lesson without even trying hard. The fluidity of the lesson just diffused through faith reflection where she talked about the integrity of creation in the Genesis. The RVM pedagogy in the hands of even a seasoned teacher but careless and mindless may create chaos inside the classroom. But this afternoon was an obvious and tangible proof that in the hands of a capable, seasoned and mindful teacher, the impossible is simply doable.

The lesson though did not go without its fair share of oversights. However, these were brought to our realization tactfully and prudently by the superintendent. Under pressure, Ma'am Jasmine still maintained the grace and cheerfulness which she is all known for. With much humility, she parried her way across feedback and queries like a pro that experiences of teaching for 18 years had taught her. All in all, we learned so much from a teacher honed so well in the art of pedagogy. I was literally floored by how she took all our critical beatings in stride. Here is a teacher so confident of the craft she loves so well that no one, not anybody can dare shook her resolve.

MAKULAY NA MGA GULAY

The Utanon Festival Queens 2009

Vegetable Salad...sa Binisaya, Achada

Aiza Kalabasa

Lala Mustasa

Cora Okra

Letty Casyote

Nene Patani

Gus Letsugas

Fely Sili

Alice Kamatis

Inday Pechay


Utanon Festival Queens...or Achada Queens 2009

IN THE BLUR OF THE NIGHT

The Story of the Backup Dancers

As the dancers raised their heads, Alyanna emerged from behind...

...then the dancers started doing what they knew best - dance!

As Alyanna prepared for the winning pose...

...the dancers wriggled and made waves.

Then they took their final bow...


...the propsmen exited,

...and then waited for the vey obvious.

NINDOTA AH!

ni Dale anak ni Papa niya

Nindot gyud kaayo ang search for Utanon Queen 2009
Nindot kaayo ang nanayaw nga taga University of Cebu
Nindot kaayo ang stage, ug ang mga presentations

Nindot kaayo kay naa si Apple of Pinoy Dream Academy
Nindot kaayo ang mga judges, ug ang mga nag-host

Nindot kaayo ang mga mayors nga niadto,

Nindot kaayo si Gwen Garcia...bahalag dugay kaayo
Nindot kaayo ang tokar...bahalag si'g balik

Nindot kaayo ang mga contestants
Nindot kaayo ang mga costumes
Nindot kaayo kay bongga,

Kay naa ang Mag-TV

sa ABS-CBN

Nindot kaayo tungod sa mga Dalaguetnons
Nindot kaayo tungod ni Sr. San Guillermo

Nindot kaayo kay puno ang complex
Nindot kaayo, nahakot nato daghang awards
Nindot kaayo kay si Alyanna nidaog

Haayyyyy...
Kanindot ana noh?

Viva Utanon! Viva San Guillermo!

Viva Dalaguetnons!

AN OLD TREE...SUCH IS MY CASE

My Resignation Letter

I have explicitly stated in my personnel information sheet, which we were asked to fill up in my first year of service, that I will serve the school for ten years at least. This pre-supposes that after serving the school for ten years, my contractual commitment to the school expires. In this respect, I would like to tender my resignation as one of the employees of the school effective but not earlier than one month after the receipt of this letter.


After continually serving the school for ten years, I need to rest a while because I now feel physically tired and psychologically drained. Lately, it has always been an effort for me to wake up early and prepare myself for school. It seems as if the number of hours I slept was never enough. I have poor control of my elevated blood pressure although I am on some oral anti-hypertensive medication. I am stressed out.


Furthermore, I have been acting strangely lately. I cannot tolerate noise and minor student infarctions. I constantly change my mind. I am no longer fixed with my decisions. I make big problems out of simple lapses. I am sad. I compensate this by eating more. I have never been so confused about myself. I only find peace of mind when I am at home, when I shut myself totally from outside. I feel myself melting from within out.

Both of these – physical exhaustion and brain drain – have prevented me from becoming a good instructional leader to say the least. Juggling my eight-hour school time between teaching students and managing instruction has left me so tired. This year has been my worst both as a teacher and as an instructional leader. In fact, I have been more a teacher this year than an instructional leader. This has greatly and adversely affected the school as a learning institution in general. My performance this year is left to be desired.

My problem, however, is not solely school-based. I have even more personal problems to contend with. Firstly, the relationship problem of my parents left me choosing which to side. My mother, who I live all alone with and who suffers from frequent chest pains, always keeps me uptight. Secondly, it was and has always been my desire to travel and visit places, learn the culture of other people and appreciate their heritage and traditions. I still have to fulfill this dream though lofty it may be. Thirdly, the free spirit in me is nagging for me to explore beyond where I am now – outside my comfort zone – to jump out of the box. I want to go back to serving the least, the last and the lowest of Dalaguete (where I was before). I missed so much my previous work as a social worker – dealing with innocent children and unpretentious parents.

Though it is a reflection of my poor performance as an instructional leader, I feel I am losing control over the students, the teachers…and worse, even over my own self. As a classroom teacher, I cannot seem to make the students read their Computer manuals. As the HS principal, I cannot even make the teachers submit their lesson plans regularly and on time. As to my own self, I am barely holding on to my wit’s end. Though embarrassing, I have so many times burst into child-like tantrum display hurting me in one occasion (see Feb. 5). I cannot think and I cannot afford to happen that such an irrational outburst later on will hurt students and jeopardize the good name of the school which the previous teachers have painstakingly etched.

My presence in the school has become a deterrent rather than an encouraging sight. People outside may have seen me as a valuable, mission-oriented and vision-aligned personnel. They are wrong and I do not want to live with their delusions. One thing, however, remains true. I have and will always be grateful to the school and to all the people I have worked with. My working in the school and the opportunities afforded to me were of no equal. I grow and bear fruit; however, just like any other tree that grows old with time, it has to be cut, lumbered and packaged anew. And such will also be my case.

UTANON FESTIVAL 2009

Fruit Salad Na...Na-achada Pa!

UTANON FESTIVAL QUEEN 2009

MS. ALYANNA MARIE PANGAN

III-Fortitude, St. Mary's Academy

BLOOD IN MY HANDS

I cut myself today all because I care for my students. Being a school leader, instruction is only one of my myriad concerns. Even more important are the students’ behavior and attitude. The school being a center for education and excellence must also address the need for students becoming better as persons – as young people.

This year, I have a problem sophomore section. Tardiness is common in the morning and absences are more than common in the afternoon in spite of Biology scheduled at 2. In addition, this section boosts as the noisiest this year. Most of the students are non-performers too. The section also has the highest number of failures per grading period. These problems reflect how poor classroom management could have been in this section and I am totally embarrassed with this. Partly, it reflects on how poor I am as an instructional leader. However, I would like to believe that I have exhausted every means possible to change how the students in this class behave, and look at the entire educative process.

I am a patient person but my patience has limits. I blew my cool this afternoon and made a scene with the students. I don’t want people testing my patience much more students who are chronologically by age younger than I am, which directly makes the test more of a disrespect than childish play. I am not happy with what I have done but I am not also remorseful, nor do I have the plan to apologize. If I cannot make these students behave by requesting them to do so in a manner very polite, then if I can do it in a brutish child-like tantrum display, then I will, even if I lose face. Deep within me, I know I did it for the love of education, for deep respect of what the pedagogical exercise is supposed to be, for my great desire that someday, somehow there will even be some people who deserve to inhabit this planet.

I cut myself this afternoon. My hands were bloodied, all because I care for my students!

ON WHY DO I EXIST

Playing a Part on Life’s Jigsaw Game


Each of us has different perception about life. How one sees life may differ from another. One may see that life is like a wheel – a cycle of life and death. Another may see it differently. We may have different opinions and ideas about life but for me, it is a jigsaw puzzle.

I see life as a jigsaw puzzle because life is an interconnection of people. Every person that I meet is a piece of the puzzle that completes me. Each person is unique, like the shape of every puzzle piece – there is no piece that has the same shape like the other. I cannot afford to lose a puzzle piece for losing a piece leaves the puzzle incomplete. In the same manner, I cannot afford to lose or to disregard someone who I know is invaluable.

Every person in my life is invaluable as I am in their lives. I also play an important role in the lives of the people around me. I am also a unique piece in the puzzle of their lives. I know I am, even though some may not realize it. They may not realize that I have become a part of them and they have become a part of me. Still, I will do my best to perform my role as a part of their lives. Every one then is connected to each other one way or another for they are a part of other people’s lives. Every one of us is interconnected with each other even though we may not be conscious about it.

This is an excerpt from an essay of the same title written by one of my students, Jeff F. Top picture was taken in Timuga Falls, Iligan. Bottom picture was taken with my students who will be graduating this March 2009.