Disclaimer: This article does not mean to romanticize hardships of our educators in the country. We acknowledge their hardwork and we believe that they too—just like other frontliners, deserve better treatment.

After being moved from the 24^th of August—as announced by the Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones, opening of classes for the school year 2020 has started today, October 5.

For the first time in the country’s school history, 22 million public elementary and secondary school understudies start their classes today for another scholarly year without having to step out of their homes, as Curriculum Year 2020-2021 finally begins in 47,000 public schools nationwide after four months of being halted due to the coronavirus disease pandemic.

But unlike previous school years, campus gates will not welcome any students or teachers as community quarantine restrictions compelled the Department of Education (DepEd) to resort to remote learning approaches.

While Filipinos are claimed to be the one who spend most time surfing the internet, the irony is that the one major problem in the country is the internet speed. According to Inquirer, Filipinos spend an average of 10 hours and two minutes per day on social media. On the other hand, the mobile internet speed in the country is still below compared to other developed countries according to a Speedtest Global Index report last year. With 9 Mbps, Smart surpasses Globe with 5.5 Mbps download speeds, without even mentioning how much we pay for the internet.

Teachers, just like students, are struggling as well during the new normal, as they have to switch their way of teaching in order to continue their profession.

“I don't see the things I do for my students as sacrifices, but rather going the extra miles.”

For educators like teacher Hans—a 23 year old senior high school faculty member from a private university in Manila, there seem to be a lot of struggles as they switched from traditional classroom setup, to distance learning.

“In this new normal where distance learning is the trend, struggle is an understatement. I can't even find the right word to describe how both the educators and students juggle their personal lives to their professional and academic duties and responsibilities,” teacher Hans said.

One of his main concerns is the delivery of learning content, as he is unsure if the tools where students gather information are valid and reliable

“Modules and other online materials are present, but the question is how valid and reliable those tools are in making sure that all students will acquire and gain learning targets.” He explained.

He also explained that all students have different learning approach, hence distance learning is a hindrance for him to focus on each of his students like before.

The readiness of learners and teachers for distance learning setup also concerns teacher Hans, as he said that the country has “a corrupt and incompetent government officials” that  won’t be able to fully support the new setup. So “educators and students are suffering on the other end of the teeterboard”.

Although teacher Hans doesn’t see things he does for his students as sacrifices “but rather going the extra miles,” he just expects his students “to give their all”, so they can expect him “to give his best foot forward as well.”

Teacher Hans shared a story about his student who wanted to not take the prelim exams because of her broken laptop.

“As of now, the farthest mile that I've been was when my student who is residing in Cainta asked a favor to not just take the prelim exams and concede with a failing grade. I asked her why, then she told me it's because her laptop collapsed and they don't have extra money to buy a new one.”

“As his adviser, I feel sorry about her situation and I don't want her to skip a term. Good thing, I have friends who have resources, laptop and printer. I went to my student just to make sure that she'll still have the materials to read in preparation for the exam. I also lend her a laptop courtesy of my friend. She promised to do good during the prelim exam, and stayed true to her words.”

Despite the struggles of switching to online learning, Teacher Hans is still motivated to continue doing his profession. He stated that “it's my students who keep me moving forward in these trying times. Their struggles, sufferings, hardships and perseverance always remind me of why I chose this profession. Despite adversities, I still hold on to my vision of helping and contributing in making this nation's future promising in my own little ways.”

“They lighten up the fire in my heart to keep pushing through.”

The struggle for teacher Makoto—a 23 year old private school college and SHS lecturer, is also “the lack of resources” not just for him, but also for his students.

“We are not ready, nobody is ready for this big transition from the normal mode of learning (face to face) to the new normal of distance learning (online class). Most of my students have no laptops and just using android phones. Almost all of them didn't have a wifi or even a stable data signal for the synchronous online session. Even me, I had to buy a laptop for our online class.” Teacher Makoto said.

Makoto also shared one of his sacrifices during the online learning setup.

“Recently I walked for almost an hour from our house just to get to school since we're mandated to report on-site that time. Public transportation is limited and hard at this moment especially in Cavite, so I have no choice but to walk.”

The 23 year old teacher also keeps being motivated because of students, claiming they “lighten up the fire in his heart to keep pushing through.”

“They are the reason why I’m still fighting, every time they say "thank you Sir Mak ikaw pa din Prof namin", "thank you Sir Mak di mo kami iniwanan," said teacher Mak.

“I know everything may be draining the hell out of me now, but this is not the time to stop.”

Meanwhile, teacher Lon—a 24 year old SHS educator in a private institution, and a College instructor as well in a state university, pointed out that the struggle for him during the new setup is the “pedagogy itself.”

“Many of the techniques that I find useful and effective in a face-to-face set-up may seem to not work in an online class. Before, I am aware of the impact of my teaching to my students as I see their attentive and discerning faces change reactions as I deliver the lesson. Now, I am not even sure if they are listening or paying attention at least,” teacher Lon explained.

“Also, it was a struggle to rush-build many of our platforms to be “ready” for the opening of classes. As I work two schools, the burden are also doubled and I have to comply in many of the needed materials in a short-span of time.” He added.

Hence, altogether, he claimed that this makes “the face-to-face set-up far better in so many ways than what we have today.”

For teacher Lon, not having to go out and meet his students for many hours a week is helpful to him, as he can save up money working at home.

“The idea of saving up a lot from my salary is also a motivating factor as I get to work and earn more (This year, I have more teaching loads than I had from the past four years) while being spared from the hellish commuter life,“ teacher Lon explained.

“I am just focusing on the benefits of working from home and so far, I enjoy the bed-to-work scheme the moment I wake up in the morning,” he added.

He was also motivated because of the evaluation result he received, released for the first half of the first quarter.

“I received lots of good reviews and I find them motivating. Students are pleased with how I adapted to this situation. I also feel grateful about what they told me about not feeling the difference of the face-to-face classes from the online one every time I start to discuss. It is just so rewarding.”

Although teacher Lon saves up from his salary because of the new setup, he said “I felt largely sad and uncertain as I can no longer go outdoors like I used to.”

“Going to a random place to breathe once in a while has been my way of venting out from the stress of my work and now that I cannot do that, I need to find other ways to release my stress. Unfortunately, I face all of these battles while I also comply with my graduate school requirements,” teacher Lon shared.

“I know everything may be draining the hell out of me now, but this is not the time to stop.” He added.

Teachers, just like other professions, should be prioritized by the government. They are willing to go beyond their reach just to teach, and share their knowledge. So the future development of any nation is in the hands of teachers—and what we become in life depends on them. Happy Teacher’s day!