Loco parentis” refers to the rights and responsibilities that certain organizations or individuals have with regard to minors under their care. The term is typically used in reference to schools with respect to how the teachers and staff should behave toward the students. It can be used in a way that is meant to ensure schools have the rights to do what is necessary in the students’ best interests, such as locker searches. “In loco parentis” can also refer to the responsibilities a teacher has for his or her students as the acting guardian for students in a classroom.
In place of a parent” – this doctrine is something that some teachers should be remembered . Teachers are supposed to stand as the students’ second parents, having in mind only what’s best for them. In a country like Philippines where many families have one or both parents working as OFWs, in loco parentis takes on a more special meaning. School conceptions of caring discusses the relevance of an ethic of care . Caring understood as mothering at one end of this continuum is distinctly associated with traditional notions of femininities whereas caring as commitment is non-gender-specific. Caring as relatedness can be linked with the concept of being responsible to the protection of children while they are in school. Teachers have the power to make a difference in a person’s life. Teachers who dedicated their lives to the teaching profession and still feel the ripples from years ago had an impact deep in pupils lives.
The life and words of loco parents could inspire pupils even these pupils become adults . Meaning , if the pupils felt the love and care of their affectionate teachers , they will probably do those with their future children . So, teachers should not only impart the knowledge or educate the minds and facilitate skills but should leave a legacy of real loco parents that could produce persons with deeply ingrained values – values such as excellence, nationalism, and appreciation of culture. This was the vision that they had in their minds.
By: Elizabeth L. Rodriguez | Teacher III | Samal North Elementary School | Samal, Bataan
