Age is not the deterrent to educational progress provider an old teacher is willing and determined to change his mental attitude toward the improvement of himself for a better way of life in teaching profession. There is saying which always says that “an old dog cannot learn and be taught new tricks,” but this slogan does not fall true of the teacher because of the fact that he belongs to the most diligent and intelligent mammal species in the animal kingdom.

             Underneath the gray and golden hair on and old teacher lies the gray matter which is still very sensitive to any stimuli. The old teachers are very willing to learn and to apply the new trends in education, but they do this in slowly and surely.

            It is unfortunate indeed to say that a teacher seems not to be given due recognition. On the contrary, he is always taken for granted. His duty as a teacher are generally not given due importance. In spite of this predicament, however, the teacher does not make a complaint at all, due to his loyalty and devotion to the service in the government.

            Meanwhile, the teacher is an omnibus. He is not only teacher to teach the school children, but he is also given other duties, especially during elections, either local or national in scope. It is at this assignment that the teacher is given the power as the eyes and ears of the government which is the most delicate of duties to perform.

            The government should look after the interest and potentials of a teacher for he is held responsible for molding the character and conduct of our citizenry. Aside from this yoke of responsibility, he is also the producer of other professionals like the lawyers, surveyors, and some more men and women as educators to teach the youths of our lands.

            It is timely that the multifarious duties of the teacher be given due reward and recognition by our government. I believe for example that a teacher be given added monetary incentive from the government.

            Verily, the teacher whether old or young is undergoing changes. Changes start from within and not from without. With this guidepost in mind, he will not only have better school children, but he will also have a better community to live in. it is believed that a certain degree of royalty or honor be given him as a reward from immemorial and mortal name “THE TEACHER AS A FOCAL FIGURE” in the teaching profession.

By: Celia I. Sarmiento | Lamao Elementary School | Limay, Bataan