 |
| Morong, Bataan, December 2017 |
‘Hello, World!’ was actually a phrase used in a test run to make sure that a computer language is correctly installed, and that the operator (revered techies and geeks) understands how to use it. In seventh grade (first year high school, circa ’99), I briefly dabbled in the early days of web design (heck yeah, VBScript!) and found out about HTML marquee element that scrolls a piece of text displayed either horizontally across or vertically down on your webpage. Ahh, what a time to be alive!
Incidentally, ‘Hello, World!’ was also the phrase I posted on Sab’s Facebook and 200+ of her FB friends went crazy. As in ‘Sound the alarm! Sab posted something on Facebook!’ kind of deal. All the years I know her, she never uploads and/or posts anything because apparently, she’s too cool for social media. The truth is, ‘Hello, World!’ seems like a timeless (and also fitting) way to greet the blogosphere again, especially when you’re just picking back up from long hiatus. SO, HELLO, WORLD! How the fudge are you? Is BLOGGING still a thing in 2019? Yes? No? Just let me know!
Anyhow, last February, my senior high school niece sent interview questions about teaching that I can only answer in the most Anie-esque manner I could ever muster just because...
1. Do you feel overworked as a teacher? Why or why not?
No, I don’t feel overworked as a teacher because I’ve resolved myself to the fact that this profession entails the elephantine workload of always being present, ceaselessly giving and continually keeping all those balls in the air. Striking a balance is key, if you ask me.
2. Do you feel underpaid? Why or why not?
Surprisingly, even though my salary is a far cry from a six-figure payslips, I don’t feel I’m underpaid at all because my compensation is already better than adequate. Also, I try not to constantly measure my work’s worth in monetary aspect all the time, otherwise, I’ll just leave this profession and go for a job that would allow me to receive more than a minimum pay day.
3. How do you feel about other teachers who are overworked and underpaid?
Of course my heart aches for teachers who are working their butts off to make our education great as possible yet all they are getting is a minimum payday. But, then again, teaching is unlike any other profession. In addition, it is a difficult job that requires lots of energy and dedication. Certain sacrifices are to be made to be truly in this field and one of them, unfortunately, is the salary.
4. What do you think the government should do with this uprising and unsolved problem?
There is no doubt that the education system has its myriad flaws, but I do think the government needs to switch to a system of paying teachers in accordance to their ability and results. There are great teachers and bad ones, especially in some of the public schools and somehow all we have is a system where bad teachers seem to NEVER get fired.
5. As a fellow teacher, what is your suggestions and recommendations towards these problems?
Teachers, especially the ones from public schools, should be paid and given raises based on: 50% from student growth throughout the year on standardized tests, and 50% from evaluations. And when funds would allow it, give a yearly raise, if need be, for teacher’s excellent performance. As for the crummy teacher who pops in to work who does anything but teach, she/he should be replace by someone who can get results. And finally, to the teachers who think this profession would not allow them to meet their financial goals, throw caution to the wind because it may be time for a career change. Just saying.
