What is the most fulfilling duty of a teacher?

During these extraordinary times, our teachers have undeniably faced one of the most challenging moments of their careers.

They had to navigate through the complexities of digital platforms and provide better solutions to deliver education in the new normal. But despite these difficulties, their spirits remained unwavering. So, what keeps them pushing forward?

This World Teachers’ Day, The Quill randomly asked a faculty instructor from select school departments to share their viewpoints on the “most fulfilling duty” on a teacher’s part.

“The right attitude in dealing with every situation while possessing the right skills. What makes me more proud of my students is the possibility that they can become more than me while reaching their goals the right way.

In these challenging times, the only people we can depend on is each other. Working with each other helps us realize our own individual goals and that is the community.”

— Richel Fatima Rama Coja, College of Nursing

In teaching, no year, semester or day is ever the same. And there will always be a good or interesting story to tell. It can be challenging so you always have to learn and upgrade yourself to stay relevant and updated. The biggest satisfaction for me is not seeing them [students] get high grades in exams, but watching them absorb and share new information and ideas and apply these, not just in their projects, but in their daily lives. And in that sense, you see them grow.

— Ria Therese Repunte, sd+c

Aside from teaching my students the content in each lesson, I always do my best when I have them even in a short period of time. In my 4 years of teaching at SWU SHS Department, I made the learning of my students to be fun and more engaging because for me it gives excitement and enthusiasm. This school year for me is double D (different and difficult), I have to adjust my teaching strategies and apply a lot of patience in order to adapt to the new normal.

— Vince Pierre Deluvio, Senior High School

The most fulfilling duty of a teacher has always been to have the opportunity to make an impact and to know that I have inspired students as they shape themselves for their dreams. It’s always rewarding to see them evolve as future professionals.

— Keith Belangoy, College of Pharmacy

When you see your students learn, graduate, continue with life despite all the difficulties and lastly, be joyful with their lives.

— Jaymund Salaritan, College of Arts and Sciences

All teachers are required to carry out their duties as mandated by their respective school curriculum relevant to the age and learning ability of students. As professors, we are responsible not only for the preparation of teaching materials and learning methodologies, but engaging with the students to create an efficient student-teacher interaction as well. Most importantly, for me, the most fulfilling duty is seeing your students leave school with decent grades and know they have a future.

— Ulysses James Lagrimas, College of Medical Technology

It has always been a duty of a teacher to mold, instruct, and direct the path of every student who has a teachable heart and willingness to learn. The most fulfilling duty of a teacher for me is seeing a successful dentist, who once was my student, as a product of my sleepless nights preparing for the lessons to impart them the knowledge I gained from my teachers/mentors. I feel blessed for being a blessing to them by sharing all the learnings I gained.