Week 6: A Budding
Educator’s Day: Lessons
Learned, Laughter Shared,
and Mango Mayhem
Bob Victoriano Flores
4th year- BTLED
March 26, 2024
A Budding Educator’s Day: Lessons Learned, Laughter Shared, and Mango
Mayhem
The crisp morning air held a promise of new beginnings as I stepped into the bustling
school. Yesterday, a haven of peace thanks to a school holiday, today marked the
official return to the whirlwind life of a student teacher. My first stop – a vibrant 8 th-grade
masonry class brimming with enthusiastic students from Myanmar. Their faces glowed
with excitement as they presented reports on various types of manual work. From the
intricate artistry of bricklaying to the satisfying rhythm of woodworking, their creativity
blossomed in their presentations. Witnessing their infectious passion, I couldn’t help but
be reminded of a quote by William Arthur Ward: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good
teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher Inspires.” It
became my guiding principle for the day – to ignite a spark of learning within these
young minds, to guide them on their journey of discovery, and ultimately, to inspire.
A touch of amusement punctuated the morning when a familiar wave of energy crashed
upon me in the hallway. It was a group of my 8 th-grade Korean students, their eyes wide
with the same yearning one might see in an expectant mother with a sudden craving.
The object of their desire? Not ice cream or pickles, but a cluster of tart, little mangoes
hanging precariously from a nearby tree. Before I knew it, we were all gathered around,
a motley crew united by the promise of a sweet and tangy treat. Laughter filled the air
as we reached for the fruit, a delightful reminder of Robert Frost’s words: “I am not a
teacher, but an awakener.” My role extended beyond the classroom walls, fostering a
sense of wonder and encouraging them to explore and experience the world around
them.
The afternoon brought a shift In gears as I delved into a dressmaking class with a group
of determined 9th graders. Their upcoming exams loomed large, and we tackled them
head-on, reviewing key topics and dissecting strategies for success. The classroom
hummed with focused determination. I facilitated lively discussions, offering guidance
and support to ensure they were well-equipped to conquer their exams. Benjamin
Franklin’s quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I
learn,” perfectly captured my approach. I wasn’t just imparting knowledge; I was
creating an environment where active participation was encouraged, empowering them
to take ownership of their learning journey.
Though tomorrow promised a break for a graduation evaluation at the RSU main
campus in Odiongan, a tinge of bitter sweetness settled in. This crucial step in my
student teaching journey necessitated a two-day absence, leaving my cooperating
teacher to navigate the pre-planned lessons.
Reflecting on the day, a wave of gratitude washed over me. The opportunity to connect
with such a diverse group of students, each with their own unique personalities and
backgrounds, was truly enriching. Witnessing their individual growth and unwavering
curiosity filled me with an immense sense of satisfaction. Being a student teacher had
become a crash course in flexibility and adaptability. Every day presented unexpected
challenges, delightful surprises, and invaluable lessons that shaped me into a more
effective educator.
In essence, being a student teacher was a dynamic and enriching experience. It
demanded dedication, patience, and a genuine passion for nurturing young minds.
From engaging classroom activities to forging meaningful connections with students,
each day offered a unique adventure. Challenges would undoubtedly arise, but the
rewards of seeing my students blossom, their eyes sparkling with newfound knowledge
and confidence, made it all worthwhile.
As I continued on this path, Albert Einstein’s words resonated deeply: “It is the supreme
art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Being a student
teacher granted me the privilege of igniting this spark in my students, fostering their
creativity and cultivating a lifelong love of learning. With unwavering enthusiasm, I
embraced the journey ahead, aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the lives of
each student I encountered. Just as those little mangoes brought a burst of unexpected
sweetness to our day, I hoped to bring a taste of learning and discovery to their lives, a
sweet reward for their dedication and a reminder of the joy to be found in the pursuit of
knowledge.
