In computer, shift function combined with a specific letter allows to change the small letter into capital letter. Just like that noticeable change, I believe when we shift to something that drives our desire it goes to something big like a shift from being a private teacher to a public school teacher.
The shift from former to latter means adaptation as private and public schools holds a great difference from each other from the nature of work to students to quantity of clerical works to number of hours stayed at school to physical faculty to school traditions. For others the reason for their big shift is wage. Known to many, public school teachers are highly paid than private school teachers with a difference of at least Php 6000 (though the numbers may vary). While this is true, the amount of work in public school is like a mountain while in private school is like a hill. Extra clerical works are given to public school teachers that are needed to compile to be submitted to the division office by certain assigned department heads. The documentation of certain papers is also needed in public school as these are requirements for annual performance evaluation. Not to mention the home visitation that must be done to check on the students that are not present in the class for preceding days or not doing well at school and need to inform the parents that are not coming everytime the teacher invites them at school.
This might bring down your desire to be a public school teacher if you are keep on seeing this heavy load. Let me tell you to check on your reason for making a shift because if it is extrinsic motivation, for high salary and bonuses, then you are highly susceptible to anxiety, frustration and stress during your work and even before you get started on the job. But let me encourage you also that while everything of these are true, you are very much needed in public school if only you can see how valuable your talents, skills and knowledge are that can cater every student’s potential. You see, before you can actually like the environment you will be working you should like something about yourself first. And that should be the desire to teach. Without passion, you can easily stumble on the tons of work that you are about to face until it will be detrimental to your emotional and mental state of mind. Extrinsic motivation is not long lasting therefore the drive to make a shift must begin inside of yourself. Though it is true that we are living in the world where we are get easily caught by what we see and hear, we are the ones responsible on how our mind is going to run that we should be careful of because what we put in our mind will definitely go into our hearts and will be manifested outside. Remind yourself that you are called as teacher for the students. Just in case you decided to make a shift and figured out it is very hard, remember your impact is always greater on the students that once you backed down, you and your students will be greatly affected. Change the status of your mind and tell your fears and hardships to bring it on.
By: Ms. Ana Rosette S. Garcia | Jose Rizal Institute
