Green thumbs have sprouted all over the country since Filipinos have turned to gardening to cope with staying indoors during community quarantine. With more time on their hands, stopping to smell the roses has become a literal activity. According to an interview with psychiatrist Dr. Joan Rifareal, one of the causes of the skyrocketing number of plant enthusiasts is the fulfillment gained from caring for another living organism. The satisfaction felt comes from staying connected to living things in the middle of the social distancing measures imposed. Yet, plant aficionados aren’t the only people who have gardened such a haul.

Like the budding ‘plantitos’ and ‘plantitas,’ teachers have played major roles in the growth and development of children. From the seeds of childhood to the saplings of adolescence, educators have nourished the garden of students by seeing the potential of every learner. However, for the teachers, their circumstances aren’t always a bed of roses. While the students enjoyed the gap week at the end of the first quarter, hitting the hay was a distant thought to teachers as they prepared for the next academic period.

Stemming the Roots of the Season

Teachers stand at the root of education as they represent the backbone of learning. The paradigm shift from face-to-face classes to online distance learning presents one of the biggest challenges of modern educators amidst the pandemic. As early as May, the teachers have persevered in devising new ways to teach through numerous meetings and training sessions. Even so, it has been stated that when the school year officially started, there were materials that were still incomplete for some teachers, and so they had to cater to the shortage while the students’ outputs were being checked. 

Let it be known, however, that barrenness has never stopped leaves from growing just as teachers spring into action to bring life into the system.

This has been a source of struggle for many teachers, as acclimating from a constant presence to the flat screen proves to be a trial for everyone despite the preparation that teachers have done. The long hours spent sitting in front of the computer brought about fatigue and was possibly more exhausting than physical classes were. The reassuring chaos that comes with the campus noise was reduced to silent faces and muted discussions as branching out was less accessible with the lack of face-to-face interaction. Gone were the days when students would call out and run up to different school personnel. The reactions of students to lessons became limited to minuscule twitches. 

Another hurdle faced by the teachers were the perceptions about the online setup. Mirroring the debates on social media, there is still much doubt towards the effectiveness of the online shift, and convincing them otherwise is a load that weighs on teachers’ minds. “Changing the mindset of students and even parents is also a challenge,” Mrs. Jennifer Concepcion, a grade 11 Math teacher stated. “Some students prefer listening to the teacher instead of processing what they read or watch. Some still think that if the teacher is not talking in front of them, then the teacher is not teaching.” She explains that she emphasizes the significance of peer collaboration and consultation to tackle the issue.

Leaves Bearing Fruit

Let it be known, however, that barrenness has never stopped leaves from growing just as teachers spring into action to bring life into the system. Staying online still means staying connected, and our teachers have done what they can to walk the untrodden path. Several teachers have adapted new strategies to maintain the interest of students with a streamlined curriculum that doesn’t beat around the bush. Some have even developed innovative methods to test their students’ understanding and stay in touch with them outside of the Meet. It has also helped that the faculty and institution work hand-in-hand to address any concerns and help cultivate a simulated learning environment for the domestic setting. 

The reassuring chaos that comes with the campus noise was reduced to silent faces and muted discussions as branching out was less accessible with the lack of face-to-face interaction.

Ms. Remy Magbiray, a grade 12 Chemistry teacher, expressed her initial anxieties and the boost she gained from her support system. “It was really hard for me to imagine teaching Chemistry online, especially the computation parts. When the first quarter started, the overwhelming support from my Science family, especially my Chemistry group and SAC, and co-faculty as well, made me more focused and sure of myself and the way I teach. The students I handled are also very good. Generally, they accomplished their tasks on time and of great content.”

The value of trust is also essential in building a collaborative environment, and the students’ efforts is a motivation in these arduous times for Mrs. Concepcion. “It is definitely challenging for everyone. The stress level is quite high and teachers and students are finding ways to adjust to this set-up. However, it is inspiring to see most students putting effort on accomplishing their tasks and to learn whatever they can given the situation. I think that it is important that the members of the community trust each other and believe that the teachers are willing to guide the students while the students are open to learn and work hard.”

Mrs. Rosanna Borja, the English Subject Area Coordinator, believes that one’s identity as a teacher doesn’t change regardless of the online setup. Her advice is as follows: “I know it’s really challenging right now, but I really believe that saying that in Chinese the same characters are assigned for ‘crisis’ and ‘opportunity’ because in every negative situation, there is always room for growth, and this right here is the best learning experience we can all have, whether you’re a teacher or student. Like they say in my fave K-dramas, ‘Fighting!’”

Like they say in my fave K-dramas, ‘Fighting!’

Mrs. Rosanna Borja

Like the students, teachers also deal with the amalgamation of responsibilities as the boundaries between personal and professional obligations blur and overlap. Family duties especially cast heavier burdens upon teachers, even more so when work-at-home situations conflict with the online learning of younger kids that need more assistance. To juggle all of them and uphold the work-life balance leaves less breathing room for oneself when responsibilities clash and collide.

Nevertheless, the continuous process of growth remains steady with each passing day. With the pursuit of excellence and new pedagogy, the tireless efforts of our teachers bear fruit in our prosperous harvest of learnings. The first quarter may have dropped its fruits, but the second one is just blooming, and as teachers and students cross the vine, the fulfilment as we thrive can be traced to our ‘plant parents.’ Our teachers do not only show their faces in our screens but in our blossoming formation as the ones who sow our seeds of potential for a flourishing future.

Sources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMippzQ09rU

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Nicolette Zoleta