Every Day Is Teacher’s Day
| Jaime De Leon
“Thank you, teachers!”
“We appreciate you!”
“Happy Teacher’s Day!”
These phrases can only be heard during the month of celebration for the teachers. We look through the mirrors of our second parents, only when reminded. But still their efforts aren’t what we see in the reflection, and so their beauty is not adored enough.
The classroom does not wait, for every desk occupied is another mind—every student seeks them, asking for guidance, patience, and care that must be given without hesitation. Every early morning, teachers rise with the quiet strength to face yet another day filled with lessons, responsibilities, and then the endless pressure of expectations within them.
Their duties do not end with the dismissal of the students; the remaining work follows them home, in the form of papers to check, reports to finish, lessons and presentations to prepare—turning nights into hours of labor instead of the rest they need.
Sacrifice becomes second nature, as weekends are exchanged for deadlines; family time is often cut short, and their personal matter is surrendered to fulfill what the job demands. Now, do you think we have seen their reflection enough? Is their wonder greatly appreciated? Did students even look inside their lives, even a glimpse, to understand the teachers’ hearts?
Finding Purpose In Sacrifice
Beyond the heavy workload upon them, teachers will always remind themselves who they are doing this for—the students. Where their sacrifices start, and they find meaning in teaching.
Ms. Kristine Cruzado, the Student Pupil Government (SPG) Leader shares, “Lagi kong iniisip kung kanino ang ginagawa ko. Kaya kahit pagod, priority ko sila [students].” Her words reflect the heart of every teacher. No matter how weary, tired, and exhausted their day could be, they will always choose to carry on, as purpose outweighs pain. They know that each effort counts as learning, and every lesson may change a child’s life.
Ms. Cristina Panahon, who has recently begun her journey as a Music and Arts teacher, believes that true teaching goes above grades and lessons. She states, “We need to understand the students before judging them, we need to listen to them, at the same time, knowing what their needs are and what the things they need to grow for them to reach their potential.”
Every student learns and thinks differently, and every misunderstanding requires another explanation—another moment of guidance—another chance to try again. As time goes on, they come to realize that no students are ever the same, which teaches them that life itself needs its own acceptance, understanding, and empathy for embracing differences.
Mr. Sundae Jr Burce, the Gradeschool Department Head, who has faithfully served the school for more than 5 years, spotlighted the importance of understanding the individuality of each learner.
For him, it is not only the students who need to move and change, but also the teachers themselves, in the form of finding new approaches, shifting strategies, and embracing flexibility within their teaching style, which would truly help in reaching and shaping their students.
Because in the same way the teachers shape their students, they too earn lessons from the young they guide. They discover patience through their mistakes, resilience through their growth, and joy in the small victories that remind them why their work matters.
Behind the Reflection, Unseen Sacrifices
They all see each other through the mirror that was held by themselves; the reflection from the window that every student and teacher who passes by sees. The hard work and dedication that the student shows is the echo of the efforts the teachers make.
Yet, the struggles teachers experience are often unseen. For the world looks at the work, but barely at the worker, at the exhaustion, the long hours, or the doubts that linger in their minds when they feel their efforts are not enough. We must understand that teaching is not only about writing grades, presenting lessons, but also about carrying the weight of dreams, shaping futures, and enduring hardships that only a few will ever fully see.
Therefore, let us look in their mirrors one more time and let us learn to appreciate the sleepless nights they have spent preparing, their tired hands that write all across the board, their hoarse voices that keep teaching, and the hearts that will always continue to give.
Though recognition may not always come, appreciation may not always be spoken—teachers continue to stand in the front of the room. Their motivation is not built on applause or praise, but on purpose and their commitment to guide a child, which is why every day is truly the teacher’s day—the day of care, love, understanding, and beautiful challenges.
Regardless, a glimpse of their life will never be enough to show how much care they hold for the future of the world. Surely, however, their heart will continue to beat loudly with warmth for the students and their passion, guiding us, the youth, as we all go and face tomorrow.
