...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.