Teaching Loads

 

                                                (image:youtube.com)

Hilabian na pasensya!

Nick Garcia of the Philippine Star reported on September 26, 2024: The Davao de Oro division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating the case of a teacher who died allegedly due to stress after being scolded by the school principal. In a statement on Sept. 22, DepEd-Davao de Oro extended its deepest condolences to the family of Marjorie Espinosa Llanto-Bonto, who taught at Tibagon Elementary School in Panutukan North District.

The scolding allegedly stemmed from the complain of a disgruntled parent when Mrs. Bonto “failed” to give first aid to a learner who encountered an accident while playing with a classmate.

On October 3, 2024, philstar.com reported: Rescuers reportedly found one of the teachers who died in the Thailand school bus fire embracing her student in their final moments. Local newspaper Khaosod English reported that Kanokwan Sripong was among the casualties of the bus carrying six teachers and 39 students in elementary and junior high school.

The bus was traveling from Uthai Thani province, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital Bangkok, for a school trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces on Oct. 1 of this year.

These are just some narrative we hear about the lives of the teachers.

Teachers often make profound sacrifices to ensure their students' success, both academically and personally. They frequently invest their own time and resources, often working beyond regular hours to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities (Ingersoll, 2001).

According to a report by the National Education Association (NEA, 2019), many educators spend their own money on classroom supplies, highlighting their commitment to creating a conducive learning environment despite limited funding.

Furthermore, the emotional toll can be significant, as teachers navigate the challenges of diverse classrooms, often prioritizing their students' needs over their own well-being (Blase & Blase, 2006). These sacrifices underscore the dedication and resilience inherent in the teaching profession, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future.

Research by Skaalvik and Skaalvik (2017) emphasizes the importance of reducing workload stressors, suggesting that providing teachers with adequate resources and support can significantly improve their emotional well-being.

Also, professional development opportunities that focus on social-emotional learning can help educators manage stress and connect better with their students, ultimately leading to a more compassionate school culture (Zins & Elias, 2006).

Self-care practices are vital. Studies show that teachers who engage in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques report lower levels of stress and increased job satisfaction (Roeser et al., 2013). Professional development programs that focus on emotional intelligence and stress management can equip teachers with tools to better handle challenges (Brunetti, 2006).

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day today, it's essential to recognize the need for a collaborative effort among the government, educational administrators, stakeholders, and the teachers themselves. Together, they can create a more enriching and supportive work environment that truly reflects and honors the dedication and hard work teachers invest every day. By fostering open communication, providing necessary resources, and valuing teachers' contributions, we can cultivate a culture of respect and appreciation that empowers educators to thrive in their vital roles.

Otherwise, we risk seeing more troubling narratives emerge in print and across various media platforms.