On Teachers

A vocation is an occupation, either professional or voluntary, that is carried out more for its altruistic benefit than for income, which might be regarded as a secondary aspect of the vocation, however beneficial. Vocations can be seen as fulfilling a psychological or spiritual need for the worker, and the term can also be used to describe any occupation for which a person is specifically gifted, and usually implies that the worker has a form of "calling" for the task. Source

PTA meetings are not a time to get emotional. When the kids were little, I was in a meeting almost every week and hearing not a single word. I was planning menus in my head, mentally checking the contents of the refrigerator or philosophizing on the essence of housework.

There was once, however, I noticed everyone else was silent. The speaker spoke passionately about bringing up our children to be teachers. It was a vocation, Sister ___ said, this desire to teach.

It was a time when there was a serious scarcity. Most who qualified the Board went off to other countries to be nannies. They taught other peoples' kids. I understand where Sister was coming from. It was an exclusive girls' school and the perfect source for future teachers already ingrained with their vision. It was a prayer that their school would go on with alumnae on their faculty.

Only to these teachers did I totally entrust my young children. Separately, we would do our best to mold their minds and spirits. And while the kids are now in college, I still want the assurance that they learn from the best. Yet if they were unwilling, from whom would our kids learn? Somebody has to do it, not just anyone. Our young Filipinos deserve the best.

I especially love public school teachers! They are in the front lines during elections. They show up before and during registration, revision and elections. And if they don't, they'd be subject to arrest. And while candidates' watchers have relievers, these poor people require bladders of steel, digestive systems of camels and all the patience in the Old Testament. Try being meticulous and accommodating when you've been up 16 hours. They personify virtue.

My youngest daughter is a freshman in Education. Though our reasons are more practical than idealistic, it's enough. I'm also asking my other daughters to take enough education units at least to qualify as instructors. I dare most of my children's friends as well, to consider teaching as a first or part-time job. It's a mission which began with a PTA appeal.