Our legacy as educators are beyond measure

May 26, 2018 Educator's Corner Opinion

Two years ago, when I was in a supermarket, one of my 5th Grade students several years ago called my attention. With a few minutes of conversation, he narrated that he just finished his Bachelor’s degree as a lawyer and he is preparing for the bar exam. As his former teacher, I was so happy and proud of what he has become. I came to realize that I am part of his success. Months after, he sent me a message thru face book that he passed the bar examination and at present he owns a law firm in the province.
As teachers, we know that when we go into teaching, that the consequences of our work may not be entirely appreciated momentarily, that we are “planting seeds. Yes, there are some days when we leave the classroom knowing that we made a difference. We heard or watched as a student responded in a new way. But honestly, we do not always know the students if we truly moved by our work or who will come back years later to tell us how the seed we planted eventually blossomed.
A teacher makes such a big impact; they had a passion for their field of study, possess genuine care for the growth of their students, and gave straight, thoughtful feedback  that is laced with enough encouragement to neutralize any feeling of defeatism.  This desire is shown in their commitment to the achievement and holistic success of their pupils. We instill in them the desire and passion for learning. We believe that every pupil can succeed.
But one thing is for sure, our legacy as an educator is determined by what our students do. When you empower your students to own their learning, they became makers, dreamers, builders and tinkerers. They grow into innovators who change the world.
Remarkably, our legacies as educators are beyond measure. It is determined by what our students can become in the future. HIDDY D. NAVARRO, Pinget Elementary School