My Teaching.....My Lifework!!!

MY CALL, MY LIFEWORK: TEACHING WITH THE KING

(STATEMENT OF TEACHING PHILOSOPHY)

By: Geraldine B. Delos Santos, LPT

Aristotle once said, “The essence of life is to serve others and do good.” It has been my earnest desire since I was a little girl to serve others or the community. As I had heard and watched news from radios and televisions back then on how people suffered from injustices, maltreatment and discrimination, I aimed to be a soldier or a lawyer. I wanted to serve and protect my fellowmen from these predicaments. Unfortunately, things turned to be the other way around. Truly, the Bible verse found in Proverbs 16:9 “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” enlightened my thoughts how God moves mysteriously in my life. God put me into this lifework to be in the Service of the King Jesus Christ where I can still serve my community through education.  Being involved in His plan of salvation on the fallen humanity is worth – rejoicing.

A stated, “the work of education and redemption are one” (White, 1952, p.30), the lifework itself demands a definite aim. The foundation of true education must be firmly and surely laid. The teacher’s effort should focus on giving the learners the opportunity to know God and establish a relationship with Christ. We are to “look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18. We must think not of the sacrifice, but of infinite gain. Thus, a teacher must possess the principles of truth, obedience, honour, integrity and purity of the Master Teacher; which will make every teacher a positive force for the stability and uplifting of society. He desires a teacher, above all, to learn life’s great lesson of unselfish service.

Therefore, I believe to TEACHING WITH THE KING. As the teacher needs a shed of light from God, he/she must not rely in his/her own understanding in this endeavour but must give a full submission to the Master Teacher – the omnipotent, and the omniscient Unseen One. And I have the privilege to take part of someone’s salvation by LLL – loving the children entrusted to me, learning – teaching process and leading them to Jesus Christ thru Adventist education.

I motivate to teach with Knowledge from God. The true source of all knowledge is God. No great and intelligent men exist without God who supplies their intellectual competence. If I teach without the true knowledge from God, I will be like a blind man leading my blind learners into a pit of misery. I need to strengthen my faith in God and from thereon, I may be filled with heavenly knowledge useful enough to impart the message that God wants to reveal to us. I want to make my classroom a “little heaven on earth.”

I motivate to teach with Interest. Interest refers to a feeling that accompanies special attention. If I teach without interest, I would be like a withered flower in the garden ---gloomy, incapable to catch someone’s senses. I need to teach with a passion and dedication for my learners to be inspired in the teaching – learning process. I will use IFL strategies to ensure our classroom community will flourish and will activate students’ learning. I want my classroom to be filled with joy and positivity as learners will participate actively during the group discussion, or individual presentation.

I motivate to teach with Noble Preference. Being noble means having or showing fine qualities or high moral principles and ideals. I must “Train up the child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6. If I teach them without noble preference, I will be like a potter with a remake objects into a desired shape. I need to nurture them morally and spiritually. “Education is not a preparation for life, education is life itself.”(J.Dewey). Whenever my learners misbehave or show unpleasant behaviour towards others, I will encourage them to display their ability or proficiency or recommend to them some alternatives that will result into productivity rather than reprimanding them with careless tongue and harsh words. I want my classroom to be a place of nobleness of actions and of speech.

I motivate to teach with Grace. Grace is a quality of being considerate or thoughtful. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. If I teach without grace towards my learners, I will be like a hungry lion that without pity torn the flesh of a little prey running for help. I need to teach my learners with grace, as Heavenly Father shown His enabling power and spiritual healing offered through the mercy and love of Jesus Christ. No one can return to the presence of God without the divine grace. We have situations that need stern consequence. However in those moments, we can show grace by our actions and how we handle the situation. I want my classroom to be a sanctuary of real refinement of thought, unselfish spirit, generosity, and humility.

What Do We Have In This Site?

"The greatest want of the world is the want of men ---men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men whose conscience is true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall." Ed.57.3 (E.G.White)

What Should the Site Have on It?

1. Biography - Teacher's professional background, and statement of teaching of philosophy.

1. Class Calendar -Calendar of Activities for School Year 2020 - 2021.

2. Relevant links for students to learn more about content. Also, for you to learn more about the subject matter. For help in this area, check our Teachers' "Subject Matter" Section.

3. Course Description- What students will be learning, goals, objectives, procedures that will be used in teaching and learning, timelines, etc.

4. Links that make your subject more fun- For help, check our Teachers' "Sites To Use With Students" Section.

5. Contact Information- This can include ways that students or parents can contact you.

6. Materials- Anything important that you hand out in class can be posted on-line.

7. Class Rules and Guidelines- In this section, you may find the materials that students need for the class and any other consistent information that students.

8. Homework- Posted assignments helps to keep students on track. This section can also offer students help with any assignments. This section can also be a depository for what students need to accomplish and a reminder of what needs to be done.

9. Your Most Favorite Sites- These are educational sites or student-centered sites that you visit the most.

10. Information for Parents- This is information that parents should know that can help to acheive educational goals. It is a great way to get parents actively involved in a partnership role.

11. Announcements/Events- This is an efficient method of communicating anything that needs to be publicized.

12. Links to State or National Curriculum- This can supply curriculum information to parents. It also helps in developing credibility as a professional. Another important benefit is that you have this information available to you at any given time.