It’s incredible how people cross paths from different continents driven by passion and shared by a common goal towards better education.
Many of my students dream of meeting a foreigner; talking, and being friends with them. Last July 13, 2015 an American teacher from Loyola Marymount University stepped into my classroom. She was willing to learn and ready to help my III- Anthurium kids. She is Shireen Noori, my partner teacher from LMU and a current Teach for America (TFA) Corps Member. She said, “these kids are really into learning, and they all deserve excellent education.” Her presence motivated me a lot and enlightened my purpose on why I am teaching. I felt that I’m not alone. That Philippines is not alone in striving to give better education for every citizen.
But one thing she didn’t know was on the first day, she already fulfilled a dream of a lot my kids---to meet a foreigner.
“Teacher Shi” as my kids called her, had five restless days in my classroom. Her presence was really helpful, and it was a walk of an extra mile out of her comfort zone from teaching in States. She motivated kids with her BAZOOKA DANCE CRAZE every morning; she sold food in the snack tray every recess; she engaged kids in storytelling and gave kids a stamp for their good behavior. She assisted during group activities and taught kids English conversational skills. THE WINNING moment was when she sold bread and ended all sold out! Though she had a tiring day, the energy still remained. The excitement I saw in her face every time she entered the class made me think and pause for a while.
Many of my students dream of meeting a foreigner; talking, and being friends with them. Last July 13, 2015 an American teacher from Loyola Marymount University stepped into my classroom. She was willing to learn and ready to help my III- Anthurium kids. She is Shireen Noori, my partner teacher from LMU and a current Teach for America (TFA) Corps Member. She said, “these kids are really into learning, and they all deserve excellent education.” Her presence motivated me a lot and enlightened my purpose on why I am teaching. I felt that I’m not alone. That Philippines is not alone in striving to give better education for every citizen.
But one thing she didn’t know was on the first day, she already fulfilled a dream of a lot my kids---to meet a foreigner.
“Teacher Shi” as my kids called her, had five restless days in my classroom. Her presence was really helpful, and it was a walk of an extra mile out of her comfort zone from teaching in States. She motivated kids with her BAZOOKA DANCE CRAZE every morning; she sold food in the snack tray every recess; she engaged kids in storytelling and gave kids a stamp for their good behavior. She assisted during group activities and taught kids English conversational skills. THE WINNING moment was when she sold bread and ended all sold out! Though she had a tiring day, the energy still remained. The excitement I saw in her face every time she entered the class made me think and pause for a while.
When Teac her Shi was in my classroom a thought came into my mind -- sometimes, I forget to be happy. I overlook happy moments, and I often focus on negative things happening to me and my class. Gradually, Teacher Shi uplifted my teacher spirit to do enthusiastically go above and beyond for my students.
Aside from teaching, I also had a chance to introduce Teacher Shi and the other graduate students from LMU to the historical places in Marikina . It made me realize that being a teacher never stops. For a day, I had a chance to have an informal class with my foreign students .
The LMU teachers (Shireen, Jeena and Alex) have truly left their mark at Malanday Elementary School-- an eye-opening experience in realizing education equity.
Aside from teaching, I also had a chance to introduce Teacher Shi and the other graduate students from LMU to the historical places in Marikina . It made me realize that being a teacher never stops. For a day, I had a chance to have an informal class with my foreign students .
The LMU teachers (Shireen, Jeena and Alex) have truly left their mark at Malanday Elementary School-- an eye-opening experience in realizing education equity.