School openings are always marked with uncertainties. The transfer of information from one teacher to another is a cause of confusion.  Every school opening is a chance to orient teachers on what to do and what can be expected from them for the whole school year. 

The benefits of an orientation cannot be discounted.  It is something which school administrators needs to strengthen.  Likewise, it is a chance to open up and gauge everyone.  Understanding the real essence of an orientation leads to the achievement of its benefits.

The use of mnemonics makes us better understand the benefits of orientation:

            Willingness to commit.  Orientation is an opportunity to gauge the commitment

            of the teachers and the school administrators.  Although it is a foregone

            conclusion that teachers are committed to teach, it is always better to know that

            the commitment lingers within everyone in the school force.

            Enthusiasm to teach.  Although teachers are committed to their task, enthusiasm

            is a  different thing.  Is the fire still within the heart of the teacher?  Is the

            administrator fired up to lead the school to greater heights?

            Loyalty to the organization.  Orientation is a time for loyalty check.  Is anyone on

            the brink of giving up the position for a more lofty profession? 

            Creates an optimist attitude.  When orientation is conducted, teachers develop

            a positive outlook that they are being considered before a major decision is

            made.  Optimism can be achieved if everyone is heard.

            Oneness among everyone.  Unity is an indication of success.  During orientation,

            activities can be included to ensure that everyone is part of the team.

            Mistakes are reduced.  Through orientation, errors are minimized because most

            of the things are clear before plunging to teaching.  This is a chance to raise           concerns which are cause of confusions.

            Expectations are clarified. During orientation, everyone is given the chance to

            voice their expectations for the ensuing school year.  With expectations cleared,

            directions are also cleared.

            Satisfaction is met.  Orientation is goal – setting.  With goals set and all things clarified, it is not impossible to achieve satisfaction for one’s work and for the whole unit.

Aside from these benefits, orientation WELCOMES everyone to the new school year armed with eagerness and with eyes fixed on the goals of the organization.

 

By: AMELIA F. RETUTA | Master Teacher I | General Lim Elementary School | Orion, Bataan