I, too, Can Make a Difference!

Making a difference in one's life is indeed a life-changing experience.

A child's brain is like a blank slate and whatever you imprint unto it will forever be etched may it be a positive or a negative one. TEACHERS, among all the many professions we have, are blessed to be chosen to touch the lives of our dearest children.. and I am one of them.

Handling Grade One pupils for eight years has been a roller coaster ride. Not to mention the sleepless nights when I have to create a lesson plans and the differentiated instructional materials that will cater to the learning needs and styles of my learners. When you are assigned to this grade level, you are expected to have 100% readers at the end of the school year. Yes! All of my pupils should be able to read.

Maybe some would say that it's just a piece of cake, however, a PUBLIC SCHOOL scenario is way too different. You have to deal with countless factors such as absenteeism, lack of books and facilities, child labor, indifferent parents and many more. But how could a public school teacher be able to surpass these formidable factors?

After facing ups and downs in my career as a grade one teacher, let me share to you some tips:

1. Always have a positive attitude.
Attitude is a small thing that makes a big difference. You have chosen to be a teacher so act like one. Do not find reasons to blame others. It will always boil down to how you carry yourself as an educator.

2. Always encourage your pupils.
Children have high hopes in you as their second mother. So never say anything that will pull down their self-esteem. Encouragement will make them passionate in everything they do.

3. Never quit on them.
As long you believe and hold unto your faith that your learners can read, the more that they will believe that they can. So never quit and finish the race.

4. Never be discouraged with the low salary that you receive.
Teachers are the unsung heroes. Reality bites. We receive low salary despite the tons of work given to us. But we should not feel dismay just because of this. Just continue working and at the end it's not all about money, but it's about being able to make a difference.

5. Always include your little ones in your prayers.
Prayer is powerful. I for one, always include my learners in my prayers and that may God grant them wisdom and courage to face whatever is in store for them ahead.

My forever gratefulness to @surpassinggoogle for the inspiration and to @iwrite and @yhanzel4lyf for the unendig push.