Teachers’ Day: Through the Looking-Glass
It’s Teachers’ Day once more—the reason for our highly anticipated long weekend. But more than that, it’s a day when the school takes a moment to recognize the love our teachers have shown us. It’s when students can pause and appreciate the care teachers put in every lesson, reminder, and moment in class. And yet, while both teachers and students share the same classrooms, they often view the same things from vastly different perspectives. For this Teachers’ Day, we asked some teachers and students to share their views on teachers’ roles in the lives of their students.
Disclaimer: Some answers were edited for better clarity and cohesion.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a great teacher?
Mr. Aaron Gopez (G9 Science Teacher): A great teacher is someone who is willing to go the extra mile for the students, as well as someone who is a role model for them, not just inside but also outside the school. Because, as teachers, we’re not just modeling what we teach, we are also the ones leading the new generation to follow Christ.
Annalia Hui (G9 Damascus D Student): A great teacher is patient, passionate, supportive, and God-fearing. They teach in a way that is clear and meaningful, but they also know how to make learning fun and enjoyable. For example, I know that when some students don’t understand the lesson, there would always be some teachers who would help them out after class or give them extra homework.
Q: If you could swap roles with a student/teacher for a day, what would you want to experience?
Mr. Renante Cochangco (G6 Filipino Teacher): I think I was able to experience most of the things that we experienced here when I was a student, but one thing that is very different from my time is the Student-Led Conference. I would like to experience being able to have your own agency, where you can tell your parents, as well as your teachers, your progress and your struggles in school.
Lance Go (G6 Jordan D Student): I’d probably want to experience my students listening to me and obeying the rules, because that’s when I would feel relaxed. I noticed that teachers are usually stressed, and so I would want to experience them listening to me so that I can chill instead of getting stressed when students are not letting me speak.
Q: How have your students/teachers inspired you?
Mrs. Neshie Guntiñas (G11 General Math and Pre-calculus, G12 Calculus Teacher): Since I know that my subject is one of the most difficult ones, I'm inspired when students have good foundations. But if they don't, I’m also inspired by the admission that they need help. It’s okay to admit that you don’t know as long as you’re willing to learn. It's really the humble heart of the students that inspires me. It reminds me to always stay grounded and humble, because there will always be someone better than me at something.
Kenzo Chua (G12 Zion A Student): I’m always inspired by how hard my teachers work. You know, we have to realize that our teachers are people too. Each of them has their own problems. On top of that, they also have to teach us, and, obviously, we’re makulit, right? Because of that, I’ve always admired their hard work and how they make sure that we learn and take good care of us.
Q: What’s a small moment in school that made you feel truly seen or appreciated?
Mr. Renante Cochangco: There have been so many moments. It’s really during those times of thoughtfulness, thankfulness, and gratefulness from students when they say that they appreciate what we are doing here at school.
Mr. Aaron Gopez: I believe it’s every time we have Teachers’ Day that I feel seen and appreciated, and even just the everyday hi’s and hello’s of everybody.
Mrs. Neshie Guntiñas: It’s pretty amazing that the Lord always knows when to cheer a downcast spirit. When students cheer me up, those are the times that I wonder, “Paano nila nalaman that I’m in this situation?” Because they didn’t know that I needed it. It’s exactly in those situations that the students tell me “thank you.”
Q: What’s one thing you would like to tell your teachers this Teachers’ Day?
Lance Go: I would like to tell them that, even though students might disrespect them, it doesn't make them any less important, and they’re still great because they are willing to go through so much for us.
Kenzo Chua: I’d like to thank them for always giving their best in everything. I’ve never met a single teacher who hasn't given their full attention to us. So, I want to thank them for always caring for us students.
Annalia Hui: Thank you, teachers, for being patient with us and doing your best to educate us all. Happy Teachers’ Day!
It’s easy to overlook the sacrifices our teachers make for us when we focus merely on our perspective of things. Our teachers have to juggle their personal lives with their teaching responsibilities to ensure that they give us their best. So, as we celebrate this Teachers’ Day, let us not forget to appreciate the countless efforts our teachers have made in order to guide us and mold our futures.
To all our teachers, thank you for the love, lessons, and encouragement that you’ve given us throughout our years in school, and even when we’ve graduated. Happy Teachers’ Day!
